Gaspé, Quebec, December 22, 2010 -- Parks Canada and the Gespeg Mi’kmaq Nation signed a contribution agreement on August 31, 2010. This agreement followed the March 19, 2009 partnership agreement in which the two parties pledged to collaborate in the creation of a Mi’kmaq cultural interpretation site at Penouille in Forillon National Park.
Under the terms of this agreement, Parks Canada will contribute a total of $52,500 to help the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gespeg conduct a market and feasibility study as well as develop a business plan for the future Gespeg Mi’kmaq site at Penouille. On December 1, 2010 the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gespeg launched a competitive bid process for this project. The project is scheduled for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, and is in alignment with the March 2009 partnership agreement.
“The Government of Canada is proud to promote the rich history of First Nations and we are pleased to showcase the history of the Mi’kmaq people in Forillon National Park", said Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird, who is also the minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Parks Canada is particularly proud of the partnership it has established with the Mi’kmaq people which led to this agreement, where the construction, implementation and operation of a Mi’kmaq interpretation site in Forillon National Park will be the responsibility of the Gespeg Mi’kmaq Nation. Preliminary studies are vital to help guide decision-making, determine the type of investment to make, and identify the potential benefits of such a site for the community.
"The Gespeg Mi’kmaq Nation is pleased to collaborate with Parks Canada to ensure the revival of Mi’kmaq culture in Forillon National Park", declared Mr. Claude Jeannotte, Chief of the Gespeg Mi’kmaq Nation.
In March 2009, as part of the Action on the Ground program, Forillon National Park received $4.6 million in funding to protect, maintain and showcase the biological and historical diversity of the Penouille sector. Some $417,500 of the total amount was set aside to showcase Mi’kmaq culture, and $52,500 of this was allocated to the Gespeg Mi’kmaq Nation. This partnership with the Gespeg community will help showcase Mi’kmaq traditions and values in Forillon National Park, helping to offer an enriching experience to its many visitors.
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Information:
Michel Queenton
Manager, External Relations
Gaspé Field Unit - Parks Canada
418-368-5505
michel.queenton@pc.gc.ca
