May 25, 2023 Ekuanitshit, Quebec Parks Canada
The protection of Innu culture, the transfer of knowledge between generations, and the protection of cultural and natural resources for future generations are at the heart of the relationship between Parks Canada and Innu communities that have a special bond with Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.
During a community event organized by the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit held yesterday, Mr. Jean-Charles Piétacho, Chief of the Nation, along with Mr. Hugues Michaud, Executive Director, Quebec and Nunavut at Parks Canada, were pleased to announce an Indigenous guardians initiative developed over the past year by the Nitassinan Guardians Project Team of the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit, in collaboration with key community stakeholders and Parks Canada.
Parks Canada's recent acquisition of l'île du Havre de Mingan, named Ekuanitshiu Minishtiku in Innu aimun, was also announced at the event. The island, with an area of 1.5 square kilometres, is significantly important to members of the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit and is one of the few private islands that could not be annexed to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve when it was created in 1984.
This acquisition will promote the development of cultural activities by the Innu of Ekuanitshit and maintain the traditional activities practiced by the members of the First Nation for generations. The Innu Council of Ekuanitshit will play a decisive role in the development of the future management and use of the island.
Furthermore, the implementation of an Indigenous guardians program at the National Park Reserve, in collaboration with the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit, has been granted. This initiative, and the acquisition of the island, provide opportunities for the First Nation and Parks Canada to advance several common priorities, including the enhancement of Innu culture, the economic development of the First Nation, and the commitments made by the Government of Canada to protect 30 percent of terrestrial and freshwater, coastal and marine environments by 2030.
