The addition of 'Skmaqn' to Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site

Collaborations between Parks Canada and Indigenous partners at Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site stand as a tangible example of Parks Canada’s commitment to fostering a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions for present and future generations, and have helped shift the narrative presented at the site from a colonial perspective of the past to one of multiple voices and truths.

The transformative journey of the name and interpretive offer at Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site began with a request from a member of the public to remove the name ‘Fort Amherst’ and change the site’s official name. Based on leadership and advice from the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations, the Mi’kmaw word “Skmaqn” (waiting place) was added to the name of the National Historic Site. Former Chief of Abegweit First Nation, and now Senator Brian Francis advocated for the addition of the Mi’kmaw name to form a tri-part name to communicate the layers of history. This reflected a teaching in reconciliation and the Mi’kmaw way of inclusivity, giving space to all to share their stories. 

In addition to the name change, Epekwitk Assembly of Councils also wanted to better reflect Mi’kmaw perspectives and experiences. Enter the ‘Stories of Canada’ program, designed to implement the Framework for History and Commemoration: National Historic Sites System Plan 2019. Equipped with funding from the program, Parks Canada partnered with the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils (L’nuey) to prepare a new historical thematic framework for the site. 

The core project team included L’nuey staff and Parks Canada employees in the PEI Field Unit and National Office. The work was guided by a stakeholder advisory committee with representatives from the Mi’kmaw, Acadian, French and British communities, and developed through a variety of workshops and engagement sessions. These discussions helped to better identify gaps in the site’s historical interpretation, directly influenced interpretive products, and strengthened relationships.   

The results of this collaborative project included new trilingual interpretive panels and a historical video which includes diverse voices, presents multiple perspectives, and inspires conversations. Through rich historical descriptions and artistic as well as photographic imagery, the panels showcase the complex human history of the site. The productive and resilient collaboration between the Mi’kmaw, Acadian, French and British communities in retelling the histories of the site, and the new and strengthened relationships that developed, are important legacies of the project.

Through the project, the site better communicates histories and culture from multiple perspectives, telling truths that were not previously shared broadly, including the importance of the site to the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq. The project creates ethical space, a place for all knowledge system to interact with mutual respect, kindness, and generosity. 

Read Toquktmekl: The Mi’kmaq Epekwitnewaq Kapmntemuow and Parks Canada Sign Co-Management Agreement for Parks Canada-administered places on PEI.