The Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Matilda Ramjattan, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation, and Jacob Jadis, Councillor for Abegweit Mi’kmaw First Nation, celebrated the signing of a tripartite Framework Agreement.

“This Framework Agreement marks another significant step towards the recognition and implementation of the rights of the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island. Accelerating the progress to self-determination and closing the gaps in socio-economic outcomes are key priorities of our Government. The tripartite Framework Agreement signed here today is truly important in renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based upon the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“The Province of Prince Edward Island values its long-standing and strong relationship with the Mi’kmaq of PEI and we will continue to work together to promote healthy, safe and prosperous communities for all. The signing of this Framework Agreement marks the next chapter of ongoing initiatives we have underway with the Mi’kmaq. As we move forward together, on the path to reconciliation, we will be able to create a future that we are all proud of, where we can all thrive and succeed. ”

The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan
Premier of Prince Edward Island and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

“This is an important day for the Mi’kmaq of PEI.  We have advocated for over a decade for a process that commits all of our respective governments to cooperative negotiations to resolve our outstanding Mi’kmaq Rights issues.  This is just the beginning but it is an incredibly important first step in rebuilding our Mi’kmaq Nation in PEI, bringing life to our inherent right to self-government and, ultimately, socio-economic health to our people and communities.”

Matilda Ramjattan
Chief of Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nation

“With the signing of this Agreement the path to self-determination and the recognition of our rights is clearer than it has ever been.  We have a great deal of work to do but the agreement gives us a respectful framework and a process for our governments to turn that work into positive results.”

Jacob Jadis
Councillor of Abegweit Mi’kmaw First Nation

• The Mi’kmaq are the Indigenous People of Prince Edward Island and there are two Mi’kmaq First Nations on the Island: Abegweit Mi’kmaw First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation. The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI serves as the common forum for the two PEI Mi’kmaq First Nations on issues of Aboriginal and treaty rights.

• The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous communities at over 70 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables across the country to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination. These discussions represent more than 350 Indigenous communities, with a total population of more than 750,000 people.

Associated links

• Exploring New Ways of Working Together
• Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nation
• Abegweit Mi’kmaw Nation
• Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island
• Mi'kmaq - Prince Edward Island - Canada Consultation Agreement
• Understanding Indigenous Matters

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Vicki Tse
Senior Bilingual Communications Officer
Executive Council Office
902-213-2321
vickitse@gov.pe.ca

Don MacKenzie
Executive Director
Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI
902-626-3345
dmackenzie@mcpei.ca

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