Family Fun Day to be Hosted at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Honour of National Acadian Feast Day

From: Parks Canada

News release

Parks Canada celebrates families and Acadian culture on Sunday, August 12


August 3, 2018           Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site           Parks Canada Agency


Parks Canada is celebrating families and Acadian culture at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site on Sunday, August 12, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This Family Fun Day event is in honour of National Acadian Feast Day which is observed on August 15th every year.

Activities will include face painting, airbrush tattoos, kite flying, as well as Mi’kmaq interpretive programming and traditional games at the birch bark wigwam. This free, drop-in event is sure to be fun for the whole family. Light food and beverages will be provided, and visitors are also encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grounds while overlooking the Charlottetown Harbour.

By celebrating National Acadian Feast Day, Parks Canada commemorates the enduring contributions of Acadian people to Canada’s diverse cultural landscape. National historic sites like Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

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Quick facts

  • Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst commemorates the first permanent European settlement on Île Saint-Jean (now known as Prince Edward Island). After falling to British forces in 1758, it became a major deportation site for French and Acadian settlers. A Grand Alliance was forged here between the Mi'kmaq and French – one of only two locations in North America where this was celebrated annually with speeches, gifting and feasting.

  • This summer, come see the fascinating travelling exhibit “Regalia: Native Pride” being hosted in the Visitor Reception Centre at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site. The exhibit features stunning images of Indigenous peoples from across Canada and their traditional regalia, and will be open July 1st to August 31st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • The historic grounds of Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst include a trail system, interpretation panels, monuments, plaques, and the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the many great vantage points of Charlottetown Harbour.

  • Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI are partnering to bring alive the Mi’kmaq history of Epekwitk at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site. There will be Mi'kmaq Elders on site throughout the summer to share the stories, history and language of the Mi'kmaq people. Visitors can even explore a traditional Mi’kmaq birch bark wigwam at the site. Activities will take place daily until August 31st.

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Contacts

Janette Gallant
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
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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