Canada and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik partner to launch the Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence project

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people:

For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support, cultural services, and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.

September 26, 2022 — Saint Stephen, New Brunswick — Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, Chief Hugh Akagi from the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced the launch of the Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence project. The Government of Canada will provide $634,039 through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) towards this project.

The Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence will be a safe place of belonging where Peskotomuhkati members, especially women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, can gather to explore and learn about their history, traditions, and culture. Educational activities hosted by Peskotomuhkati Elders and Knowledge Keepers will work to empower community members by restoring their self-worth, reclaiming their identities, and revitalizing their futures. Peskotomuhkati artefacts, including pictures, audio-visual recordings and speeches, will also be preserved at the camp for future generations. The location of the camp is especially significant, as it is on traditional Peskotomuhkati territory that has recently been transferred back to the nation.

Investing in cultural spaces is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and to responding to Call for Justice 2.3. The Government of Canada will continue to work with Indigenous partners to create such spaces, like the Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence project. This project, funded through CSICP, is part of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This transformative program will also support Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming their identity as part of their journey towards self-determination, which is a crucial step in advancing reconciliation and building relationships between Indigenous Peoples, governments, and all Canadians.

Quotes

“Chief Hugh Akagi fondly remembers his family and his people’s positive relationship with the Orser family, who built and occupied the Lodge for more than 100 years. The Lodge and land will play important roles in safe healing and cultural preservation.”

Chief Hugh Akagi
Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik

“The Camp Chiputneticook Centre of Excellence will be a community hub that is safe and welcoming for women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. As community members gather, learn, and share their traditional practices, they will strengthen Peskotomuhkati language, culture and heritage for generations to come. I look forward to seeing this promising future unfold.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, families, Survivors and communities across the country to make progress on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan.

  • Budget 2021 invested $108.8 million over two years for the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program. This investment is part of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan and supports the response to Call for Justice 2.3, which calls upon all governments to prioritize safe and meaningful access to culture and languages for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in order to restore, reclaim and revitalize identities.

  • The National Action Plan was co-developed by:

    • the National Family and Survivors Circle;
    • representatives of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous grassroots organizations;
    • Indigenous, provincial and territorial governments; and
    • Indigenous urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leaders.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Justine Leblanc
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
justine.leblanc@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

CIRNAC Media Relations:
Email: RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Phone: 819-934-2302

John Ames
Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik
Email: John.Ames@Qonaskamkuk.onmicrosoft.com
Phone: 506-467-1337

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