The government of Canada and Parks Canada have unveiled new interpretive signage at the Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Rocky Point, P.E.I., to help communicate the complex history of the location to its visitors. Photos courtesy Parks Canada
The government of Canada and Parks Canada have unveiled new interpretive signage at the Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Rocky Point, P.E.I., to help communicate the complex history of the location to its visitors.
Created in collaboration with Mi’kmaq rights initiative L’nuey, the outdoor exhibit panels installed near the visitor centre have been produced in English, French, and Mi’kmaw. Additional trilingual panels have been added at the earthworks of Fort Amherst and the site of the Hache-Gallant homestead. To educate visitors, the installations feature rich historical descriptions, as well as artistic and photographic imagery. A Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque has also been added to the site.
The Mi’kmaq have inhabited Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) for thousands of years, and Skmaqn—traditional Mi’kmaw for “waiting place”—has long been an important site. In 2018, in the spirit of Reconciliation and on the recommendation of the local Mi’kmaw leadership, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada added “Skmaqn” to the name. Since then, the three-part name has been used, and the new plaque serves to commemorate its significance.
The name “Skmaqn” is thought to have originated between 1725 and 1758, when Mi’kmaw and French leaders would meet annually to renew their relationship and military alliance. This was also during the time the French and British empires were fighting for supremacy in North America. One of the first permanent French settlements on the island, Port-la-Joye was the seat of that colonial government, along with a port of entry. Surrendered to Great Britain in 1758 and renamed Fort Amherst, the British used the site to round up and deport more than 3,000 Island Acadians to France.
At the event to unveil the plaque and signage, there was also a screening of a 16-minute video, produced in Mi’kmaw, French, and English. Available for public viewing online, it tells the story of the site, as well as its importance to the three cultures—each with their own beliefs and aspirations, hardships and struggles, and successes.
“The government of Canada is committed to Reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership,” said Heath MacDonald, member of Parliament for Malpeque, P.E.I. “On behalf of the government of Canada, we commemorate the national historic significance of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site. I’m pleased to unveil the new plaque and interpretive media at this important site, which has been historically important to many different people and cultures and continues to be a treasured place for local Islanders and visitors alike. National historic sites and designations commemorate all aspects of Canada’s history, both positive and negative. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding of Canada’s history.”
