PEI First Nation Councils establish new development organization and facility
August 13, 2021 · Charlottetown, PE · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Closing the economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples represents a significant step toward reconciliation.
That is why the Government of Canada is investing to help the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Inc. identify and secure economic development opportunities for the Mi’kmaq population in Prince Edward Island.
Indigenous economic development office provides new opportunities
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, announced a non-repayable contribution of $632,514 to the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils Inc. (EAC) to advance the self-sufficiency of the PEI Mi’kmaq and strengthen their role in the provincial economy.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This funding will help establish a shared Indigenous economic development office for the two First Nation Councils of PEI, Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation. In this new facility, the EAC will continue its work with Indigenous economic development leaders, businesses and communities to support skills development and key initiatives that will enhance Indigenous economic opportunities for growth.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Indigenous economic development in Atlantic Canada and moving forward on the path to reconciliation.
“The Government of Canada has an ambitious plan for economic and social recovery and, as we know, together we are stronger. Our plans involve collaboration, and we know that the success of Indigenous businesses is a key piece to building a strong, innovative and inclusive economy.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am proud to represent the Government of Canada and work with the Mi’kmaq communities of Prince Edward Island to promote understanding of Mi’kmaq rights and culture, and create economic opportunity for all. The new economic development office is a step forward, building on recent investments like the new Urban Indigenous Centre to rightly establish Mi’kmaq peoples and Mi’kmaq-owned businesses as key contributors to the Island’s economy.”
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“Economic self-sufficiency is fundamental to self-determination. Epekwitk Development will enable the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq to collaborate on large scale, province-wide projects that will assist PEI First Nations in taking steps toward the economic self-sufficiency that we require.”
– Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Leonard MacPherson
Senior Communications Officer, Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Leonard.MacPherson@ACOA-APECA.GC.CA