Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation will harvest opportunities with a full-scale oyster farm in Pomquet Harbour

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Investments in fishery scale-up will help the community generate training, jobs and revenue

March 21, 2023 · Afton Station, Nova Scotia | Mi'kma'ki · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation has a deeply rooted connection to the nearby water and its resources. With a name that means “by the bay,” the Mi’kmaw of Paqtnkek have fished Pomquet Harbour as a source of food for generations, living in harmony with the local environment.

In recent years, Paqtnkek has conducted extensive research on oyster farming in the harbour. Working with industry partners and drawing on its own longstanding relationship with the sea, the community has demonstrated that the area can support a successful oyster operation. The Government of Canada is investing to support Paqtnkek as it builds on its research and constructs a full-scale oyster farm in Pomquet Harbour.

Investment supports materials, equipment and set-up to launch operations

Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $498,118 to support Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation as it builds its oyster farm infrastructure and prepares for commercialization.

The contribution includes support from both the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA and the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

The investment will help Paqtnkek take next steps to develop its oyster operation with the addition of cages, bags and other equipment needed to expand and bring products to market. The contribution also supports the addition of a floating dock which will make the area safer for workers to access the harbour.

The oyster farm will provide employment opportunities for community members to gain industry experience and training. This project will enable Paqtnkek to maintain five full-time positions and create an additional five, with more jobs on the horizon. 

This news release is available in Mi’kmaw. Please contact Lauren Sinclair, in the Contacts section below, for a Mi’kmaw language copy.

Quotes

“Today’s announcement underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to support communities as they draw on local strengths, wisdom and traditions to create lasting benefits for residents. Our economy thrives when innovators like Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation lead the charge on collaborative, forward-thinking projects like this.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and this funding announcement is another step we are taking as part of this commitment. Pomquet Harbour has long played a significant role in the lives of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, and this investment will help the community strengthen its economy and create jobs, while drawing on their existing knowledge and skills."
- The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Recognizing the potential of a high-growth industry, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation has worked hard with partners across the ocean sector to research and develop another innovative way to create prosperity and good jobs. This project builds on the research—and on Paqtnkek’s strong connection to the local environment—to create jobs, opportunities and momentum.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso

“The Paqtnkek community has developed a very long relationship with the surrounding waters in Eski’kewaq, the traditional territory of the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaq. Pomquet Harbour has provided food and medicines for many generations and has fostered relationships with the surrounding communities who have settled in the territory. Thanks to federal and provincial governments providing funding opportunities for infrastructure and training opportunities for Paqtnkek’s oyster farm. Food security and economic opportunity is important for the Paqtnkek community, along with historical contributions of supporting the local economy. The financial support allows our community an opportunity to develop relationships with governments and surrounding communities for future reconciliation for all to create a stable sustainable future for everyone.”
- Interim Chief Cory Julian, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation

Quick facts

  • Of the $498,118 ACOA is providing $269,118 through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). DFO is providing $229,000 through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative.

  • Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation is located 24 km east of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The community has a population of 600 on and off reserve.

  • Paktnkek Mi’kmaw Nation is focused on creating economic opportunities and building a stronger future for community members, including youth.

  • In 2019, ACOA approved a $200,000 contribution through the ICF to help Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation acquire equipment for initial activities at the site.

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Matthew Dillon
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-992-3474
Matthew.Dillon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Kerry Prosper
Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation
902-870-7491
kerryp@paqtnkek.ca

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