The Mi’kmaq have called Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) home for thousands of years, living in harmony with the land and its resources. However, colonization drastically disrupted this way of life, leading to the widespread loss of Mi’kmaq lands, culture, and inherent rights. Treaties, intended to establish peaceful coexistence and shared stewardship, were undermined by colonial policies that sought to marginalize and assimilate Indigenous peoples. The impacts of these injustices are still felt today. L’nuey’s mission is to protect, advance, and implement the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, ensuring these rights are respected and upheld. This work is essential for justice, reconciliation, and creating a more equitable future for all who call Epekwitk home. 

What are Mi’kmaq Rights? 

Aboriginal Rights:

  • Aboriginal Rights are inherent, collective rights held by Indigenous peoples, rooted in centuries of tradition and use of the land.
  • These rights predate European contact and are integral to the Mi’kmaq way of life.
  • Aboriginal Rights include the right to land, self-determination, self-government, and the preservation of culture, language, and traditions.
  • They reflect the deep connection between the Mi’kmaq and Epekwitk, ensuring the continuation of their cultural identity and governance jurisdiction.

Treaty Rights:

  • Treaty Rights stem from legally binding agreements between the Mi’kmaq and the Crown, designed to establish peaceful partnerships, the protection of Mi’kmaq rights, shared responsibilities and certain jurisdictional paramountcy.
  • These treaties, which date back centuries, affirmed Mi’kmaq rights to their lands, resources, and self-governance.
  • Today, Treaty Rights are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, making them a critical foundation for reconciliation and justice.

Historical Context:

The early relationships between the Mi’kmaq and colonial governments were built on mutual agreements involving trade, treaties, and military alliances. Over time, these partnerships were eroded by colonial policies, such as the Indian Act, which sought to suppress Indigenous identity, autonomy, and rights. The legacy of these injustices continues, but efforts to restore and uphold Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are vital for healing and equity. 

Learn more about Aboriginal and Treaty Rights here.

Why this matters to all Islanders?

Imagine if your home, your language, or your ability to practice your culture was taken away. For the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, this is not a hypothetical scenario—it’s a reality rooted in centuries of dispossession and marginalization. Yet, the history of Epekwitk is not solely one of loss; it’s also a shared history of resilience, partnership, and interconnection between Mi’kmaq and non-Indigenous Islanders.

Mi’kmaq Rights are not just about justice for one community—they are about creating a foundation of equity, fairness, and sustainability for all. Upholding these rights ensures the protection of the land and resources we all depend on, strengthens community well-being, and contributes to reconciliation—a necessary step toward healing past wrongs. Reconciliation is about more than acknowledgment; it’s about action. It’s about recognizing that Mi’kmaq Rights are vital to building a future where everyone on Epekwitk thrives. Ask yourself: What does this mean for you, and how can you help? 

What can non-Indigenous Islanders do to help?

Share Your Knowledge of Mi’kmaq Presence in Your Community: 

We invite all Islanders to share memories, stories, or local knowledge about Mi’kmaq presence near their homes. 

Examples: Mi’kmaq camps near childhood homes, oral histories, forgotten landmarks, stories from your grandparents, etc.

Your stories are vital in piecing together the shared history of Epekwitk.

Educate Yourself: 

Amplify the Message:

  • Share campaign messages on social media.
  • Use hashtags like #MikmaqRights and #Epekwitk 

Support Policy Change: 

  • Write letters to local representatives.
  • Advocate for the recognition of Mi’kmaq self-governance.

Donate or Volunteer: 

© L’nuey 2025. All Rights Reserved.

‘How We Say Home’ Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all persons who reside in Prince Edward Island and are eighteen (18) years of age or older except for employees of L’nuey, their immediate families, cohabitants, agents or contractors.
  2. To enter the giveaway, submit your full name, phone number and email address on the form at lnuey.ca/howwesayhome, and answer the question as stated in the field provided.
  3. Contest begins on November 6, 2023 at 12:00:00 a.m. AST and ends on March 4, 2024 at 11:59:59 p.m. AST
  4. The prize consists of:
    • Basket by master basket weaver, Keptin Jimmy Bernard
    • L’nuey blanket
    • L’nuey Toque
    • $200 grocery gift card
  5. Prize winner will be selected via a random draw on March 12, 2024.
  6. L’nuey will contact the Prize winner through the email address provided on the contest entry form. If it is not possible within a 48 hour period to contact the Prize winner, L’nuey will disqualify that Entry and randomly select another Entry as the winner. Once the winner is successfully contacted, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question to be verified.
  7. Once verified, the Prize winner must make arrangements with L’nuey to pick up their prize.
  8. The Prize must be accepted as described and may not be transferred to another person prior to being awarded. L’nuey retains the right to replace the Prize with a different prize of equal or greater value if the original prize becomes unavailable for reasons beyond L’nuey’s control.
  9. The name of the winner upon receiving their Prize will be posted on L’nuey’s website, as well as shared on their social channels.
  10. L’nuey reserves the right to cancel, modify or suspend the Contest without notice, for any reason, including if they are not capable of running as planned or the Contest is adversely affected by computer virus, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control.
  11. All Contestants agree to be bound by the rules of the Contest and release L’nuey and all parties associated with the Contest from any liability with respect to this Contest or any prize.
  12. All decisions by L’nuey with regard to all aspects of this Contest are final.

‘Definition of Home’ Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all persons who reside in Prince Edward Island and are eighteen (18) years of age or older except for employees of L’nuey, their immediate families, cohabitants, agents or contractors.
  2. To enter the giveaway, submit your full name, phone number and email address on the form at lnuey.ca/ourhome, and answer the question as stated in the field provided.
  3. Contest begins on July 17, 2023 at 12:00:00 a.m. AST and ends on September 30, 2023 at 11:59:59 p.m. AST
  4. The prize consists of:
    • Basket by master basket weaver, Keptin Jimmy Bernard
    • L’nuey blanket
    • L’nuey Toque
    • $200 grocery gift card
  5. Prize winner will be selected via a random draw on October 6, 2023.
  6. L’nuey will contact the Prize winner through the email address provided on the contest entry form. If it is not possible within a 48 hour period to contact the Prize winner, L’nuey will disqualify that Entry and randomly select another Entry as the winner. Once the winner is successfully contacted, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question to be verified.
  7. Once verified, the Prize winner must make arrangements with L’nuey to pick up their prize.
  8. The Prize must be accepted as described and may not be transferred to another person prior to being awarded. L’nuey retains the right to replace the Prize with a different prize of equal or greater value if the original prize becomes unavailable for reasons beyond L’nuey’s control.
  9. The name of the winner upon receiving their Prize will be posted on L’nuey’s website, as well as shared on their social channels.
  10. L’nuey reserves the right to cancel, modify or suspend the Contest without notice, for any reason, including if they are not capable of running as planned or the Contest is adversely affected by computer virus, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control.
  11. All Contestants agree to be bound by the rules of the Contest and release L’nuey and all parties associated with the Contest from any liability with respect to this Contest or any prize.
  12. All decisions by L’nuey with regard to all aspects of this Contest are final.

‘Shaping the Epekwitk of Tomorrow’ Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all Mi’kmaq who reside in Prince Edward Island and are eighteen (18) years of age or older except for employees of L’nuey, their immediate families, cohabitants, agents or contractors.
  2. To enter the giveaway, submit your full name, phone number and email address on the form at lnuey.ca/progress, and answer the question as stated in the field provided.
  3. Contest begins on January 23, 2022 at 12:00:00 a.m. AST and ends on April 30, 2023 at 11:59:59 p.m. AST
  4. The prize consists of:
    • Basket by master basket weaver, Keptin Jimmy Bernard
    • L’nuey blanket
    • L’nuey Toque
    • $200 grocery gift card
  5. Prize winner will be selected via a random draw on May 8, 2023.
  6. L’nuey will contact the Prize winner through the email address provided on the contest entry form. If it is not possible within a 48 hour period to contact the Prize winner, L’nuey will disqualify that Entry and randomly select another Entry as the winner. Once the winner is successfully contacted, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question to be verified.
  7. Once verified, the Prize winner must make arrangements with L’nuey to pick up their prize.
  8. The Prize must be accepted as described and may not be transferred to another person prior to being awarded. L’nuey retains the right to replace the Prize with a different prize of equal or greater value if the original prize becomes unavailable for reasons beyond L’nuey’s control.
  9. The name of the winner upon receiving their Prize will be posted on L’nuey’s website, as well as shared on their social channels.
  10. L’nuey reserves the right to cancel, modify or suspend the Contest without notice, for any reason, including if they are not capable of running as planned or the Contest is adversely affected by computer virus, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control.
  11. All Contestants agree to be bound by the rules of the Contest and release L’nuey and all parties associated with the Contest from any liability with respect to this Contest or any prize.
  12. All decisions by L’nuey with regard to all aspects of this Contest are final.

‘Connected by Home’ Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all persons who reside in Prince Edward Island and are eighteen (18) years of age or older except for employees of L’nuey, their immediate families, cohabitants, agents or contractors.
  2. To enter the giveaway, submit your full name, phone number and email address on the form at lnuey.ca/connected, and answer the question as stated in the field provided.
  3. Contest begins on December 12, 2022 at 12:00:00 a.m. AST and ends on January 31, 2023 at 11:59:59 p.m. AST
  4. The prize consists of:
    • Basket by master basket weaver, Keptin Jimmy Bernard
    • L’nuey blanket
    • L’nuey Toque
    • $200 grocery gift card
  5. Prize winner will be selected via a random draw on February 6, 2023.
  6. L’nuey will contact the Prize winner through the email address provided on the contest entry form. If it is not possible within a 48 hour period to contact the Prize winner, L’nuey will disqualify that Entry and randomly select another Entry as the winner. Once the winner is successfully contacted, they will be required to answer a skill-testing question to be verified.
  7. Once verified, the Prize winner must make arrangements with L’nuey to pick up their prize.
  8. The Prize must be accepted as described and may not be transferred to another person prior to being awarded. L’nuey retains the right to replace the Prize with a different prize of equal or greater value if the original prize becomes unavailable for reasons beyond L’nuey’s control.
  9. The name of the winner upon receiving their Prize will be posted on L’nuey’s website, as well as shared on their social channels.
  10. L’nuey reserves the right to cancel, modify or suspend the Contest without notice, for any reason, including if they are not capable of running as planned or the Contest is adversely affected by computer virus, fraud, technical failures or other causes beyond its control.
  11. All Contestants agree to be bound by the rules of the Contest and release L’nuey and all parties associated with the Contest from any liability with respect to this Contest or any prize.
  12. All decisions by L’nuey with regard to all aspects of this Contest are final.

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