Woven Stories

Parks Canada invites you to discover the history of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site, located in beautiful Rocky Point, Prince Edward Island.

Skmaqn – traditional Mi’kmaw for “waiting place”– has long been an important site.  Due to the strategic location, entrance to the site was a gateway and gathering place for centuries. As its three-part name suggests, it has played an important role in Island history and has distinct significance for Mi’kmaw, Acadian, and British-descendent communities. Here, between 1720 and 1768, events took place which helped shape the future of Prince Edward Island.

Commemorating the significance of the site, a vibrant and engaging 16-minute video is available online and inside the Visitor Centre during the July and August operational season.  The video, produced in French, English and Mi’kmaw tells the stories of four different cultures, each with their own beliefs, aspirations, experienced hardships, and successes.

Interpretive panels produced in English, French and Mi’kmaw can be found outside the Visitor Centre and at the earthworks of Fort Amherst and site of the Haché-Gallant homestead. With rich historical descriptions, and artistic photographic imagery, the panels illuminate the complex human history of the site. 

The video and new exhibit were created in collaboration with L’nuey. Parks Canada wishes to thank the advisory committee which included representatives from L’nuey as well as Acadian and British cultures on PEI.