In the 18th century, a political and military alliance developed between the Mi'kmaq and the French in Atlantic Canada. Through the alliance, both nations helped strengthen their respective positions within the region and slowed the British colonial expansion.
Yesterday, the Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, in collaboration with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, commemorated the national historic significance of the 18th century Mi'kmaq-French Alliance with a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
Developed from long-standing relationships and assisted by ties of religion and trade that started in the 1500s, the Mi'kmaq-French Alliance grew in the 18th century. Through the alliance, the French and Mi'kmaq created a relationship based on mutual need in trade and war. The 18th century Mi'kmaq-French Alliance reflected both Mi'kmaq and French understandings of diplomacy, including the ceremonial exchange of gifts, and provides an explicit example of how formal relationships were negotiated, annually renewed and how cultural understandings were accommodated in some parts of France's North American empire.
The Government is committed to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that honours the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationship Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people - including the history of Indigenous people - places and events, that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past.
