The Government of Canada is taking action to preserve Peskotomuhkati history and culture

SCOTCH RIDGE, NB, Feb. 17, 2018 /CNW/ - Working collaboratively to renew the relationship based on recognition, rights, respect, co-operation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada.

As part of the reconciliation process, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and the Sakomak of the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik (Nation) have met together to announce the acquisition of lands at Camp Chiputneticook (referred as the Lodge) and of a collection of artifacts of cultural significance for the Nation.

Camp Chiputneticook, a 2,500-acre property in New Brunswick along the Skutik (St. Croix) River, is of cultural significance to the Nation. The Government of Canada provided the funding for the acquisition. The Nation has acquired the land and buildings from the Orser family, who have used it as their summer home for more than a century.

The Department is also assisting the Canadian Museum of History and the Nation in acquiring a unique collection of Peskotomuhkati historical and cultural artifacts. The Museum has partnered with the Nation to share responsibility for the care, research and exhibition of the collection. This is the first time the Museum has made an agreement of this nature.

Quotes

"Today, we congratulate Chief Hugh and his community on another step forward on the journey of reconciliation. It's an honour to join the community in celebrating ‎the preservation of Peskotomuhkati history and culture which will foster pride and a strong personal cultural identity for many generations to come."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

"Camp Chiputneticook and the Wabanaki artifacts are significant to the Peskotomuhkati Nation(Passamaquoddy) and they are an important part of the history of this region. Today's announcement is an important step towards preserving the Peskotomuhkati Nation heritage for future generations."

Karen Ludwig
Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest

"In keeping with the Canadian Museum of History's long history of collaboration with Indigenous communities, we are pleased to partner with the Peskotomuhkati to safeguard this important collection. The Museum's role is to enhance understanding of the people and objects that reflect and have shaped Canada's history and identity, and we are proud to play a part in the preservation and sharing of Peskotomuhk history and culture."

Mark O'Neill
President and CEO, Canadian Museum of History

"We welcome this transaction. It is an opportunity for us and the Crown to implement the kind of landholding that reflects the traditional values of our nation and the intimacy between our people and the land. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Orser family, owners of the Lodge, who for generations shared a long-standing relationship with the Peskotomuhkati. 2500 acres of conservation forest will provide a unique opportunity to reconnect to our territory as native people. The spirit of this transaction is consistent with the Covenant Chain relationship our nation has had with the Crown for more than 250 years. Acquiring the lodge and collection is integral to setting the tone for the negotiations."

Hugh Akagi
Sakom, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik

Quick Facts

• The Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik Council is based in Qonaskamkuk (St. Andrews, New Brunswick).
• The nation entered into a number of treaties with the Crown, including the 1725 and the 1760-61 Peace and Friendship Treaties.
• The Nation is planning to use the Lodge for cultural purposes, including a healing centre for anyone needing help with addictions and unresolved trauma.
• In July 2017, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs began negotiations with the Peskotomuhkati, to define their treaty relationship. Discussions have been positive and the partners have expressed their optimism at the progress thus far.

Associated Links

Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160; Hugh Akagi, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, 506-529-4657, Fax: [phone], [email protected]; Patricia Lynch, Director, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Museum of History, 819-776-7167