What a national park reserve in Pituamkek means

The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow (the Mi’kmaq Nation Government of P.E.I.) have led the way in initiating and continuously advocating for the establishment of a national park reserve at Pituamkek since the beginning of this process in 2006. Key partners L’nuey, the Government of Canada (Parks Canada), Island Nature Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island have been working together for many years to make this dream a reality.

Protecting this area means Canada takes one more step towards achieving its goal of conserving 30 per cent of lands and oceans by 2030. This new national park reserve in Pituamkek represents and protects culturally significant locations for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and residents of P.E.I., geologically significant features, and important ecological habitats.

What this means for the area and for the Province of Prince Edward Island is the addition of an important officially-protected area. It means more research into coastal erosion, and more emphasis placed on understanding the impacts of climate change on the shores of PEI. It means the protection a 50-kilometer-long string of barrier islands along the northwestern coast of PEI.

For the Mi’kmaq, it means the protection of not only the barrier islands, but important cultural and historical heritage. The Pituamkek area is rich in Mi’kmaq history and culture. This place is home to Mi'kmaw archaeological sites, rare geological formations, and an ongoing Mi'kmaw land-use tradition. Protecting Pituamkek means ensuring that the Mi’kmaq connection to these ancestral lands is celebrated and fostered.

The potential benefits of a national park reserve in the Pituamkek region

Conservation and protection
  • The conservation of one of Eastern Canada’s most unique coastal habitats – one which has played a significant cultural role for Mi’kmaq communities for thousands of years
  • Increased protection of federally and provincially listed species at risk and their habitats including, but not limited to; the little brown bat, the northern long-eared bat, and piping plover
  • Protection of a significant and diverse region of our country facing the effects of climate change
  • The protection of natural and cultural resources of the lands through Parks Canada’s management program and mandate to foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment
  • Ongoing resource conservation work, including increased ecosystem monitoring and research
Relationships
  • Strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow. 
  • Help to preserve Mi’kmaq cultural land use traditions
  • Provide opportunities for residents and visitors to continue to experience and appreciate Pituamkek

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