Indigenous Awareness Week, which takes place from May 20 – 23 this year, is a time to celebrate the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) and acknowledge the Island’s shared history. Epekwitk is the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people. 

Through L’nuey, numerous initiatives are taking place to commemorate Indigenous Awareness Week. Among them, the Reconciliation Recognition Award continues to honour individuals and organizations who demonstrate a meaningful and ongoing commitment to reconciliation. 

This year’s recipients are the Island Nature Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Julia Campbell, founder and creative director of PEI Fashion Week. These honourees have been recognized for their leadership in land-based reconciliation, the respectful integration of Mi’kmaw perspectives into conservation and climate work, and the intentional creation of inclusive spaces for Mi’kmaw artists and storytellers. 

“We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients, whose efforts demonstrate that reconciliation is not just a goal — it’s a commitment that must be lived every day,” said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation and Co-Chair of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils. “Each of them has contributed in a meaningful way to creating ethical space, building trust, and amplifying Mi’kmaw voices in their fields. They show that true partnership is possible when there is mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a willingness to listen and learn.” 

As part of its broader efforts to honour Mi’kmaw heritage, L’nuey continues to collaborate with the Government of Prince Edward Island on the installation of Mi’kmaw place name signs across the province. New signs have recently been added in Cavendish and Rustico, bringing the total number of place names installed since 2020 to 45. These signs are a visual reminder of the deep and enduring connection between the Mi’kmaq and the land. 

“The Province is pleased to continue to collaborate with L’nuey on Mi’kmaq place name signs. This is one way we can continue to recognize the language and culture of the PEI Mi’kmaq,” said Honourable Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “We look forward to continuing our work with L’nuey to help promote and share the Mi’kmaq culture.” 

As L’nuey’s Indigenous Awareness Week activities are being held virtually, Islanders are encouraged to follow along on social media and at lnuey.ca to learn more about the Mi’kmaw place name initiative, the Reconciliation Recognition Award recipients, and other projects that highlight Mi’kmaw language and culture. 

Backgrounder 

Epekwitk Assembly of Councils 2025 Reconciliation Recognition Award Recipients 

The “Reconciliation Recognition Award” is granted to recipients based on a series of criteria that serves to recognize, respect, and include the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaq of PEI), stories, history, or land in such a way that it creates a positive and inclusive Island community with lasting impacts for future generations. 

The 2025 Reconciliation Recognition Award Recipients are: 

Island Nature Trust 

Island Nature Trust (INT) has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to reconciliation through its meaningful partnerships with the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, its incorporation of Mi’kmaw knowledge into conservation planning, and its respect for Mi’kmaw rights, values, and stewardship principles. As an organization dedicated to the protection of natural spaces in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island), INT has worked collaboratively with the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils and L’nuey since 2019 to ensure Mi’kmaw voices are not only heard but centered in land conservation decisions and cooperative action. 

A major and recent example of this commitment is INT’s collaboration and support in the Pituamkek area for ongoing Mi’kmaw co-management as part of Pituamkek National Park Reserve. This action represents a tangible and impactful step toward reconciliation — helping to ensure the protection of a culturally and ecologically significant area under Mi’kmaw leadership. 

Island Nature Trust has consistently recognized the importance of ethical space, working in good faith to integrate Mi’kmaw perspectives, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, species protection, and traditional land use. The organization has shown a willingness to share authority and responsibility for land protection, reflecting true partnership and mutual respect. 

Through these actions, Island Nature Trust has shown leadership in land-based reconciliation, helping to foster a more respectful and balanced relationship between settlers and the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq. 

Nature Conservancy of Canada 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has been a valued partner in advancing reconciliation in Epekwitk by working collaboratively with the Mi’kmaq to protect, conserve, and steward lands in a way that honours Mi’kmaw rights and perspectives. NCC has actively engaged with the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils and L’nuey on numerous conservation projects, consistently demonstrating openness, humility, and a strong commitment to building long-term, respectful relationships. 

One of the most notable examples of this partnership is the work surrounding land transfers and shared stewardship, including Kwesawe’k/Oulton’s Island, where NCC has recognized the need to restore Mi’kmaw governance and access to traditional territories. 

Another key example of NCC’s reconciliation in action is the organization’s support and partnership in the Pituamkek area for ongoing Mi’kmaw co-management as part of Pituamkek National Park Reserve. Their commitment is an act of reconciliation that respects Mi’kmaw connections to the land and supports cultural revitalization through the establishment of this new national park. 

The organization has worked with the Mi’kmaq to ensure culturally significant areas are protected and that Mi’kmaw knowledge is reflected in land management plans. By supporting the return of land and the creation of co-management opportunities, NCC is helping to advance Mi’kmaw self-determination in environmental governance. 

In addition, NCC’s support for community engagement, language integration, and knowledge exchange in conservation efforts demonstrates a deep respect for Mi’kmaw culture and a commitment to reconciliation beyond words. 

These actions show that reconciliation is not a one-time gesture, but an ongoing journey grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. 

Julia Campbell – PEI Fashion Week 

Julia Campbell, founder and creative director of PEI Fashion Week, has shown remarkable leadership in advancing reconciliation through the arts by creating inclusive spaces that honour and elevate Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous designers, artists, and storytellers. Through her vision, PEI Fashion Week has grown into more than just a celebration of style — it has become a platform for cultural expression, education, and healing. 

Julia has worked with intention to ensure Mi’kmaq and Indigenous representation is not an afterthought but a central and respected part of the event. Her commitment to meaningful inclusion is evident in the way she engages with Mi’kmaw designers and models, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work, share their stories, and be celebrated on their own terms. She has collaborated closely with Indigenous communities to ensure presentations are done with cultural integrity, respect, and pride. 

Beyond the runway, Julia has used PEI Fashion Week as a vehicle for dialogue and connection — helping to break down stereotypes, uplift Indigenous voices in creative industries, and foster mutual understanding. Her efforts have helped educate audiences about the significance of Mi’kmaw culture, symbolism, and craftsmanship in fashion, while offering a strong example of what reconciliation in creative spaces can look like.