“Tackling Projects Together”: Toquktmekl Co-Management Agreement

The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and Parks Canada Sign Co-Management Agreement for Parks Canada-administered places on PEI

WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE AND IMPLEMENTING TREATY RIGHTS IS A SHARED PRIORITY OF THE EPEKWITNEWAQ MI’KMAQ AND PARKS CANADA.

In October 2024, a co-management agreement was signed between the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and the Government of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The agreement, called Toquktmekl (doh-gook-t-may-gul), Mi’kmaw for “tackling projects together”, provides the framework for Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow (the Mi’kmaq Nation Government of PEI) to continue to work together and share resources. The agreement embodies the 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.

Toquktmekl formalizes the relationship between the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada through a governance structure that will guide Parks Canada-administered places on PEI through a co-management board. This arrangement supports the weaving of Mi’kmaw knowledge, values and priorities into Parks Canada-administered places on PEI.

This agreement advances reconciliation in a concrete and meaningful way: acknowledging the contributions of the Mi’kmaq, Mi’kmaw history and culture, and the special long-standing relationship the Mi’kmaq have with traditional lands and waters. This agreement also ensures  Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq rights of the are protected throughout Parks Canada-administered lands on Epekwitk/PEI.

Touktmekl is separate from the Pituamkek National Park Reserve Establishment Agreement. Read more about Pituamkek here. While distinct, both processes embody the goals and hopes for continued meaningful collaboration between Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada.