The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils hand out new awards during Aboriginal Awareness Week

The inaugural “Reconciliation Recognition Awards” were presented to four Island recipients at a small ceremony which took place in the Assembly Chamber of the new Epekwitk Assembly Building on Thursday, May 27, 2021, during Aboriginal Awareness Week.

The Reconciliation Recognition Award is a new initiative launched by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, to show their appreciation for the work being done to advance reconciliation by individuals, businesses, and organizations here on PEI.

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

The four award recipients for 2021 are the PEI Brewing Company, École Saint-Augustin, Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit and Mount Stewart Consolidated School. More information on the initiatives for which each of the four recipients were chosen is included in the background section.

“This new award serves to recognize and show appreciation for those who are playing an active role in the journey towards reconciliation. The future we envision is one where reconciliation is at the forefront in building a better and stronger tomorrow. – Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit First Nation.

“The initiative shown by these four recipients demonstrates what positivity and growth can come from working together and is key to building a home that is more inclusive and equitable for all Islanders. We all need Reconciliation.” – Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation.