Aboriginal Awareness Week, which takes place May 25–28, offers a great opportunity to celebrate the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk (PEI), home of the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This week provides us with the chance to share our Mi’kmaq language, culture, and history, with a look to our future. This future is one where we envision reconciliation at the forefront as we build a better and stronger tomorrow together.

This year, the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, through L’nuey, is launching a new initiative during Aboriginal Awareness Week to show its appreciation for the work being done to advance reconciliation by individuals, businesses, and organizations here on PEI. The inaugural “Reconciliation Recognition Award” will be given to recipients 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. This year’s recipients have been selected by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils and will receive their award at a small ceremony to be held in the Assembly Chamber at the new Epekwitk Assembly of Councils building the morning on May 27, 2021.

“It is very encouraging to see groups and individuals here on PEI, taking initiative to engage with the Mi’kmaq to create a more caring and respectful Island community through actions that make a real difference. We are pleased to be able to recognize these special recipients and acknowledge the work and effort that has gone into initiatives that advance Reconciliation.” — Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit First Nation.

“By bringing the idea of creating a special recognition to life, we want all recipients and Islanders alike to know that we respect and welcome their efforts. Epekwitk can only grow and prosper if we work together, and this is a great example of a team effort by the Epekwitnewaq (Islanders).” — Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation.

It is the hope of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils and L’nuey to make this an annual Aboriginal Awareness Week event. 2021 recipients will be announced on May 27 during Aboriginal Awareness Week on L’nuey’s social media platforms: Facebook (L’nuey PEI), Instagram (@lnuey.ca) and Twitter (@lnueypei).

Nuta’ykw Ila’matuti – “We all need Reconciliation”

Backgrounder

The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Reconciliation Recognition Award

Who is eligible?

The award is open to non-Mi’kmaq individuals, groups, organizations, schools or governments (municipal, provincial, federal) to recognize and highlight a project/initiative that advances reconciliation.

Criteria:

• Show support and allyship to the First Nations peoples of Epekwitk
• Make a conscious and selfless effort and initiative to recognize, respect and include the Epekwitk Mi’kmaq stories, artwork, people, history, or land.
• Create a lasting impact and an excellent example of How to Be An Ally – their actions prove their dedication to Reconciliation, their willingness to create an inclusive and considerate world, and for helping to move towards a better tomorrow.

Eligible projects may include (but are not exclusive to):

• Naming a place, street, ward, waterway etc. in the Mi’kmaq language
• Advocating against systemic racism or discrimination issues that negatively impact the Mi’kmaq
• Educating Islanders on Mi’kmaq culture, language, traditions
• Hosting/sponsoring opportunities to learn about the Mi’kmaq culture, language, traditions