‘There’s so much of our story to be told’ says Mi’kmaw rights group

A new digital archive by a local Mi’kmaw rights organization is bringing together a wide range of historical records related to the Mi’kmaq of P.E.I.

L’nuey’s new Mi’kmaw-led online archive, called Tku Atlasma’lit, is free to the public thanks to a partnership with the Robertson Library at University of Prince Edward Island through the Island Archives platform.

“It’s mostly textual documents right now, although there are some maps,” said Monica MacDonald, the senior strategic advisor for history and outreach at L’nuey.

“But you can find written correspondence starting from 1709 coming right up to 1969: a vast range of materials, appeals, petitions, annual reports, census records [and] church records, which is great for genealogical research.”

This genealogical research is a major priority for many in the community, said L’nuey’s executive director Jenene Wooldridge.

She said the archive also helps fill a long-standing gap in how Mi’kmaw history has been collected and shared.

“It’s that living connection that they get to feel with their ancestors, and knowing their history and being able to access it out of the comfort of their own home,” she said.

“We want to make sure that Mi’kmaq people are aware of their own history, but also the general public.”

The goal is to ensure these records are preserved and available to communities, researchers, educators and the public for years to come.

The launch also marks the 300th anniversary of the 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty on June 4.

It’s a historic day between Mi’kmaw, Wəlastəkokewiyik and Peskətəmohkatewey leaders and the British Crown in what would become the Maritime provinces of Canada.

“These Treaties remain living agreements that continue to shape our rights and responsibilities today,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation in a statement June 3.

“As we reflect on 300 years, it is important that all people in Epekwitk (P.E.I.) understand that we are all Treaty People, and that this relationship is ongoing and meaningful for everyone.”

The project is launching with about 1,000 documents, said MacDonald, but more will be added each year.

“We’re just getting started and there’s so much of our story to be told,” said Wooldridge.