CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, July 29, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Shawn Murphy, MP for Charlottetown, today signed a memorandum of understanding with Chief Darlene Bernard, representing the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, to strengthen the ties between the Mi'kmaq community and Parks Canada on Prince Edward Island.
"Today marks an important day in the partnership between Parks Canada and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island," said Minister Dion. "The MOU outlines the need for collaboration in enhancing the protection and presentation of Mi'kmaq history and culture."
"The MOU will further solidify the positive relationship that exists between Parks Canada and the Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island," said Mr. Murphy. "It will help to ensure that the stories of the Mi'kmaq are preserved to be told to future generations."
"The Parks Canada management team has in recent years expressed a desire to have increased Mi'kmaq participation and consultation surrounding the management of parks sites on PEI. The MOU will provide an umbrella for both organizations to set goals and objectives that will benefit all," stated Chief Darlene Bernard of the Lennox Island First Nation.
Parks Canada and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI have a long-standing relationship and have worked towards common objectives in the areas of preservation, protection, and presentation of the natural and cultural heritage on PEI, including Mi'kmaq culture. The Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI is the collective voice of Prince Edward Island Mi'kmaq and legally represents the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations. Since its inception in 2002, a positive and beneficial relationship has been fostered with Parks Canada.
The signing ceremony was held at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown and was attended by members of the Mi'kmaq community, Parks Canada staff and the general public.
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Information:
André Lamarre
Director of Communications
Office of the Ministerof the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Heather Hughes
Communications
Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI
(902) 436-5101
David J. Lipton
Superintendent
Prince Edward Island Field Unit
Parks Canada
(902) 566-7585
