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Tourism PEI
Mi'kmaq, Woman, grass, ocean

Indigenous Culture Prince Edward Island

Indigenous Culture

Kwe. Pjila'si. See the beauty of the Island through the eyes of Indigenous people, experience the culture through the beat of the drum, learn traditional craft from an Elder that’s been handed down through generations and expand your perspective on the Mi’kmaq story.

Authentic Indigenous Experiences

In summer, discover the history, spirituality and culture of the Mi'kmaq at the Lennox Island Mi'kmaq Culture Centre.

Bannock and Clams in the Sand

Under the guidance of a traditional Mi'kmaq teacher, learn to prepare bannock and cook it under the sand. Cook oysters on an open fire in their natural juices.

Quill Work on Birch Bark

Learn to create your own decorative birch bark circle to take home with you while hearing of the rich and beautiful history of the Mi’kmaq.

The Beat of One Drum

Work with an Indigenous artisan to learn what the drum means to the Mi'kmaq culture. You will make your own drum to take home by assembling the base and weaving moose hide.

Summer Events & Programs

Atlantic Canada's only Indigenous theatre company, Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, share the history of the Mi'kmaq people through stories, songs, teachings and beautiful traditional dance.

Each year on the last Sunday of July, the Lennox Island Band Council hosts St. Anne’s Sunday with mass, a lobster feast, a parade and other evens to celebrate St. Anne as the patriate saint of the Mi’kmaq. This annual celebration dates to 1600s when French missionaries introduced the Mi’kmaq to Catholicism. At that time, Grand Chief Membertou was intrigued by similarities in the symbols and rituals of the Christian religion and traditional Indigenous spirituality. He was later baptized at Port-Royale (today Nova Scotia), thus beginning a blending of Indigenous spirituality and Christianity among many Mi’kmaq.

Together, our First Nations and Parks Canada work together on conservation projects and other programs to bring Mi’kmaq heritage and culture to life.

Participants dance and drum at A’Tuken campfire program at Cavendish National Park campground

 

Join our Indigenous friends for "A’Tuken”, an unforgettable campfire program of stories, songs, and drum beats at the Cavendish Campground, PEI National Park in July and August (please inquire).

In Charlottetown, visit the Indigenous PEI Store for exquisite artwork and craft by talented Indigenous artisans

Be sure to check out the traditional Mi’kmaw wigwam and interpretive exhibits at Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site (with interpretive programming in July) and Greenwich - PEI National Park anytime. Wela'lin.

Beat of One Drum, musicians, group of people, instruments

Place Names in Mi'kmaq

The Mi’kmaq are the First Peoples of Prince Edward Island and have called this beautiful island home for over 12,000 years. 'Epekwitk' is the traditional Mi’kmaq name given to the Island, meaning "something lying on the water.” As you explore Epekwitk, look out for other Mi’kmaq place names identified with a series of road signs and three Parks Canada signs. These traditional Mi’kmaq place names are rooted in the characteristics of that location or the traditional activities that would happen there – from traditional fishing grounds to hunting grounds or campsites. Here’s what they mean:

Tignish RiverMta’qanejk meaning: Paddle Place
Mill RiverUnikansuk meaning: Portage trail
Grand RiverAmasisipukwek meaning: The river where it stretches out and follows far in distance
Cape EgmontMntuapskuk meaning: Devil’s Rock
BedequeEptek meaning: It is hot.
BordenPastue’kati meaning: A place where seacows are plentiful
Crapaud&Telisipk meaning: The place where it stretches out
Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort AmherstSkmaqn meaning: The waiting place
Rice PointSuomane'katik meaning: place where beech nuts are plentiful
CavendishPemamkiaq meaning: Long sandbar
Rustico BayTapu Tuitn meaning: Double narrows
North RiverNemtaqaq meaning: Being able to see straight or along until disappearing from view
StanhopeAtoqwa’su walney meaning: Trout cove
Tracadie CrossTlaqatik meaning: The place where people gather; the gathering place
Murray HarbourEskwatek
MontagueMente'ken
SourisSqoliwe’katik meaning: Frogs’ place
OrwellMewisitek meaning: The berry picking place
Point PrimWejuowitk meaning: Flowing close by
Fox RiverWokwisewey Sipu meaning: Fox River
Panmure IslandKwesoqamkiaq meaning: Sand bar