Last week our Coalition team had a wonderfully informative meeting with Jenene Wooldridge and Tacey Cutcliffe of L’Nuey. L’nuey was created in 2019 and is dedicated to protecting, advancing and implementing the constitutionally protected rights of Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq — Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). Their mission is to address historical and ongoing imbalances between Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq people in Epekwitk (PEI) and to support a path forward based on Mi’kmaw rights, recognition, and respect.
The L’Nuey team reviewed governance structure as well as some of the hurdles and achievements of the past few years. Among these are the lack of Crown land on PEI (7%), limited land base, pressures from industry and the need to regain land for economic purposes. In all their work they strive for a peaceful and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
They are encouraged about the growing awareness on PEI of
the need for indigenous participation and control. This has manifested in the co-management of specific lands such as the Pituamkek National Park Reserve and Parks Canada.
They were very open to our questions and to future collaboration, as we share so many concerns about the land. We look forward to working with them to keep raising awareness about this land that is so very dear to us all.
