Regalia, Native Pride on Display at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site

News release

Temporary exhibit can be viewed at the site’s Visitor Reception Centre in July and August

July 6, 2018                                   Rocky Point, PEI                             Parks Canada Agency

Canada’s national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.

Parks Canada is pleased to announce that the acclaimed travelling exhibition Regalia, Native Pride will be on display this summer at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site. This beautifully produced photo exhibit allows visitors to get a glimpse of a Pow Wow and see images of men, women and children from 14 First Nations, including three Mi'kmaq dancers, in their beautiful regalia. The exhibition is a tribute to the power of the powwow and of traditional culture.

In Regalia, Native Pride, traditional and modern images come together to inspire reflection. The photographer Roland Lorente and his partner Aline Saffore travelled 6,000 miles in Eastern Canada and attended over 20 powwows over a five-year period. Lorente photographed First Nations people in action, using natural light to capture the power of their dances. Each of the dancers is shown in casual, modern clothing as well as their traditional regalia. The exhibit has been showcased in various museums across the province of Quebec and has received positive response and support from First Nation communities and visitors.

Parks Canada invites visitors to visit Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst to experience Indigenous traditions and customs, and to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous cultures and history. This exhibition is open daily in July and August from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Visitor Reception Centre.

Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Canadians are invited to visit Parks Canada places to learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and customs. In doing so, we can create new opportunities for Canadians to better understand the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

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Quick facts

  • Parks Canada works with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada, including the Mi’kmaq First Nations of Prince Edward Island, in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • This summer, Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI are pleased to partner once again to bring to life the Mi’kmaq history of Epekwitk at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye--Fort Amherst National Historic Site. Join Mi'kmaq Elders at the on-site wigwam and at the Visitor Reception Centre in July and August and be immersed in the stories, history and language of the Mi'kmaq people.

  • Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst commemorates the first permanent European settlement on Île Saint-Jean (today Prince Edward Island). After falling to British forces in 1758, it became the site of a major deportation of French and Acadian settlers. Here, from 1725 until 1758, Mi’kmaq and French leaders met annually to renew their political and military alliance. The fort’s grassy ruins are still visible, and interpretive panels explore its rich history. The grounds also offer superb views of the surrounding countryside and Charlottetown Harbour.

Associated links

Contacts

Janette Gallant
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
janette.gallant@pc.gc.ca

 

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

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