The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow (the Mi’kmaq Nation Government of Epekwitk) recently announced the establishment of two inaugural co-management boards on PEI. One will provide shared governance for Pituamkek (“Bee-DOO-um-gek”) National Park Reserve (NPR) under the Pituamkek Establishment Agreement, while the other will oversee PEI National Park and Historic Sites under the Toquktmekl Co-Management Agreement.

Together, the boards bring Mi’kmaw leadership, knowledge, and perspective into the governance, planning, protection, and operation of nationally protected places across PEI, including the new Pituamkek NPR, Green Gables Heritage Place, and Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site.

The Pituamkek Co-management Board is instrumental in the shared governance of Pituamkek and provides strategic advice on management planning, the incorporation of Mi’kmaw culture, language, and traditional knowledge, ecological integrity, and economic and employment opportunities for Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.

Pituamkek, meaning “At the Long Sand Dune,” is a chain of barrier islands in northwestern PEI with one of eastern Canada’s most ecologically significant coastal dune systems. It is home to ongoing Mi’kmaw land-use traditions, important cultural and archaeological sites, unique geological formations, sensitive ecosystems, old-growth forests, and PEI’s only igneous rock incursion.

L’nuey and Parks Canada are implementing the Pituamkek Establishment Agreement through management planning, incremental staffing, and ongoing land transfers.  There are currently no services or infrastructure to receive visitors and park operations planning will be implemented over time in a phased approach.

The PEI National Park and Historic Sites Co-management Board provides strategic advice on the shared governance of PEI National Park and Parks Canada-administered national historic sites. Its work focuses on management planning, ecological integrity, cultural heritage, visitor experience, and economic opportunities for Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.

The Pituamkek Co-management Board is helping establish a new Mi’kmaw-led NPR, the PEI National Park and Historic Sites Co-management Board supports shared governance with the Mi’kmaq in long-established parks and historic sites, with an emphasis on stewardship, resource protection, and visitor experience.