L’nuey leads ongoing negotiations with the Province of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada to advance Mi’kmaw rights and address longstanding injustices in Epekwitk (PEI) on behalf of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.
This work is guided by the direction and priorities of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils.
Guided by Mi’kmaq leadership, and supported through legal expertise, historical and archaeological evidence, and land mapping, these negotiations are to:
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Advance and protect Mi’kmaw rights
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Foster self-determination and strong governance
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Build respect, cooperation, and partnership that supports reconciliation
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Create meaningful and lasting change for Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq
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Support socio-economic opportunity and prosperity for generations to come
The Framework Agreement
Ila’matulti’k (“We Reconcile”)
The Framework Agreement, Ila’matulti’k (“We Reconcile”) was signed on January 15, 2019, between Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, the Government of Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island. This agreement established a critical foundation for a renewed government-to-government-to-government relationship, built on recognition, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
For the Mi’kmaq, Ila’matulti’k represents more than a legal document: a living promise to work together, committing all parties to the protection of Mi’kmaq rights and to tangible change in Epekwitk. It marked a vital step in advancing Mi’kmaq rights, fostering self-determination, and creating socio-economic opportunity for Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, and continues to stand as a powerful reminder of these shared responsibilities and the obligation to ensure reconciliation is realized through action and lasting outcomes.
Active Negotiations
Main Table Negotiations
On behalf of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, L’nuey is engaged in ongoing tripartite negotiations with the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada.
These discussions are exploring ways to advance Aboriginal Title and Treaty Rights, strengthen governance, and build capacity. They also provide a forum to consider opportunities such as expanding the Mi’kmaw land base and developing approaches that reflect Mi’kmaw priorities and values.
Main Table negotiations serve as a central point for dialogue and relationship-building, with the potential to shape future agreements that support Mi’kmaw self-determination and build a foundation for long-term Nation rebuilding.
Parks Canada
Since 2005, Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada have established a strong, cooperative relationship. This partnership reached a milestone in 2024 with the signing of two landmark co-management agreements:
Pituamkek National Park Reserve — establishes a new national park reserve on the northwestern shores of Epekwitk, with a co-management governance model that ensures a governance role for Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq in all aspects of park development.
Toquktmekl Co-Management Agreement — provides a framework for shared stewardship of the existing PEI National Park and Historic Sites, ensuring ecological integrity and the Mi’kmaq Way of Life are protected and passed on for future generations.
Additional Negotiations
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) — On behalf of the Lennox Island First Nation, L’nuey is in active negotiations with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on a collaborative management agreement. This would bring Lennox Island into fishery management and strengthen Mi’kmaq participation in fisheries governance.
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) — L’nuey is engaged in negotiations with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) regarding federally owned properties in Epekwitk. These discussions create space to explore opportunities that reflect Mi’kmaq rights and priorities while contributing to reconciliation and Nation rebuilding.
- Specific Claims — L’nuey is mandated by the First Nations to lead and coordinate negotiations on historic grievances, including the loss of reserve land. The Specific Claims Policy provides a process outside the courts to resolve disputes related to federal mismanagement of reserve lands, breaches of fiduciary duty, or unfulfilled treaty obligations.
By the Numbers
Active Specific Claims
4
Co-Management Agreements signed
2
Seasons of Treaty-Protected Fishing
4
Negotiation Tables
Main Table Negotiations
Parks Canada
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Public Services and Procurement (PSPC)
Specific Claims
L’nuey is mandated by the First Nations to lead and coordinate negotiation processes on historic grievances including the loss of reserve land. The Specific Claims Policy provides a process outside the courts to resolve disputes arising from the federal government’s mismanagement of reserve lands, breaches of fiduciary duty, or unfulfilled historic treaty obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Framework Agreement?
The Framework Agreement, Ila’matulti’k (“We Reconcile”), was signed January 15, 2019 between the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, the Government of Canada, and the Province of PEI. It established a renewed government-to-government-to-government relationship built on recognition, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
What is a Specific Claim?
A Specific Claim is a formal grievance filed by a First Nation against the federal government for historic wrongs — such as mismanagement of reserve lands, breaches of fiduciary duty, or unfulfilled treaty obligations. The Specific Claims Policy provides a process outside the courts to resolve disputes arising from the federal governments’ mismanagement of reserve lands, breaches of fiduciary duty, or unfulfilled historic treaty obligations.
What is the Pituamkek National Park Reserve?
On July 4, 2024, the 48th national park in Canada was created: Pituamkek (“bee-doo-um-gek) National Park Reserve. Since 2006, the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow (Mi’kmaq Nation Government of P.E.I.) has led the way to establish Pituamkek as a national park reserve.
Located in northwestern Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island), Pituamkek, which means ‘at the long sand dune’, has been a special place for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq for thousands of years. The archeological record in Pituamkek shows Mi’kmaw use dating back millennia. In this place of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual importance to the Mi’kmaq, these traditions continue today.
The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and the Government of Canada are working together in protecting this iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations. Pituamkek National Park Reserve was established through the collaboration of L’nuey and Parks Canada, and the further support of Island Nature Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Government of Prince Edward Island.
What is the Toquktmekl Co-management Agreement?
Toquktmekl (doh-gook-t-may-gul) means “tackling projects together”. It is a co-management agreement, signed in 2024 between the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow (Mi’kmaq Nation Government of PEI) and the Government of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
The agreement outlines the intention and provides the framework for the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils and the Prince Edward Island Field Unit to cooperate in the planning, management, operation, and monitoring and evaluation of Parks Canada-administered lands on PEI.
The agreement outlines the way we will continue to work together and share resources. It is a shared commitment to ensure ecological integrity and the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq Way of Life are maintained and promoted for the use, benefit, education, and enjoyment of future generations.
