L’nuey is launching a new Mi’kmaw-led digital archive to mark the 300th anniversary of the 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty on June 4, 2026. The project aims to make Mi’kmaw history in Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) easier to find, understand, and use.

The 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty was confirmed on June 4, 1726, at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. Mi’kmaw leaders and their allies in the Wabanaki Confederacy entered into the agreement with the British to support peaceful co‑existence and shared responsibilities. The Peace and Friendship Treaties did not involve the surrender of Mi’kmaw lands. These Treaties are enshrined in the Canadian Constitution and continue to shape rights and responsibilities for all Treaty partners.

Mi’kmaw history in Epekwitk has long been under-researched and underrepresented in mainstream histories. L’nuey’s new digital archive, called Tku Atlasma’lit, is intended to help close that gap by bringing together a wide range of historical records related to the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk in one online, Mi’kmaw-led space. Through a partnership with the Robertson Library at University of Prince Edward Island, the collection will be freely accessible and searchable through the Island Archives platform, helping ensure these important records are preserved and available to communities, researchers, educators, and the public.

“This 300th anniversary of the 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty is a powerful reminder that these agreements were built on peace, respect, and the intention of co-existence,” said Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation. These Treaties remain living agreements that continue to shape our rights and responsibilities today. As we reflect on 300 years, it is important that all people in Epekwitk understand that we are all Treaty People, and that this relationship is ongoing and meaningful for everyone.”

Chief Tabatha Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation spoke to the importance of grounding the anniversary in Mi’kmaw-led history. “For too long, our history in Epekwitk has been told by others or left out entirely. Tku Atlasma’lit is part of how we reclaim that – ensuring our stories are preserved, accessible, and in our own hands for the generations to come. This archive is a gift to our young people, and to all who want to understand the depth and continuity of Mi’kmaw presence on this Island,” she said.

Jenene Wooldridge, Executive Director of L’nuey, said Tku Atlasma’lit responds to a long-standing gap in how Mi’kmaw history has been collected and shared.

“It brings together historical materials in a Mi’kmaw-led space that supports research, education, and self-determination,” she said. “As we mark 300 years since the 1726 Peace and Friendship Treaty, this work ensures that our stories and our history are accessible, grounded in community, and available for future generations as we continue building understanding and strengthening relationships.”

L’nuey partnered with the Robertson Library to make Tku Atlasma’lit freely accessible to the public through the Library’s Island Archives platform.

“The Robertson Library is thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with L’nuey on this project,” said Dr. Svetlana Kochkina, University Librarian, Robertson Library, University of Prince Edward Island. “Tku Atlasma’lit is an excellent example of the type of collaboration that we hoped to develop when building the IslandArchives.ca site. It has been a privilege to use this experience and knowledge to help provide access to the important historical materials included in Tku Atlasma’lit. We see it as only the first step towards bridging the gap in our digital offerings, where Mi’kmaw history has been largely underrepresented.”

The 300th anniversary will be marked on June 4, 2026, with events and commemorations across Mi’kma’ki, including programming at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site.

L’nuey is encouraging Islanders to learn more about the 1726 Treaty and the Peace and Friendship Treaty relationship by visiting its website and exploring educational resources at lnuey.ca/300years.

The Tku Atlasma’lit digital archive is now live and freely accessible at islandarchives.ca or here – explore the collection and discover the history of the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk.