Mi'kmaq Legends receives the 2016 Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award

Indigenous theatrical group recognized at the recent TIAPEI Awards Gala

December 20, 2016                        Charlottetown, PE                                                Parks Canada Agency

The Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award was presented to Mi’kmaq Legends at the 2016 Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, November 24th, 2016.

This award recognizes a demonstrated commitment to excellence, encourages appreciation, and respect for our natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage, promotes sustainable development, and fosters a greater public awareness of the economic, social, cultural, and environmental significance of tourism.

Mi’kmaq Legends is a contemporary theatrical experience that combines poetry, music, dance, and theatre, performed by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. Originally developed by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI in 2011, the performance has become a sought-after feature at local and regional events.

Parks Canada has presented Mi’kmaq Legends as a feature of the Prince Edward Island National Park interpretation program for the past three years. As Canada’s largest provider of natural and cultural tourism, Parks Canada’s destinations form important cornerstones for PEI’s tourism industry. Working with partners like Mi’kmaq Legends allows Parks Canada to create new opportunities for learning and better understanding of Canada’s Indigenous cultures and history.

 

Quick Facts

• Parks Canada works with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Developing new and innovative programs and services allows more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and history.
• Mi'kmaq Legends is a project of the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI Employment Services Program and is funded by the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. 
• Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island is the voice of PEI’s tourism industry. Its annual Tourism Awards recognize those who have contributed a high degree of professionalism and/or support in the tourism industry. Ten individuals/groups were recognized this year, including Mi’kmaq Legends.

 

Related Links

Mi’kmaq Legends

Prince Edward Island National Park

TIAPEI’s Annual Tourism Industry Awards

 

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Contacts
Kara Grant
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
Kara.grant@pc.gc.ca

 

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

 

Photo: Jessica Francis, Julie Pellessier-Lush and Richard Pellessier-Lush accept the 2016 Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award on behalf of Mi’kmaq Legends.  Credit: Patricia Bourque, MCPEI