Nature Conservancy of Canada donates 108 acres to Mi’gmaq Land Trust (Copy)
It is with grateful hearts we announce a new addition to the Land Trust. The land trust’s purpose is to conserve land in accordance with Mi’gmaq values, maintain the land's ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and promote Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language.
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 19, 2022
Nature Conservancy of Canada donates 108 acres to Mi’gmaq Land Trust
The Mi’gmaq as represented by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) and Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), in New Brunswick are proud to announce that 108-acres of land in Shemogue, NB, located in Sikniktewaq, district 6 in the unceded Mi’gmaq territory of SE New Brunswick. With this generous donation, we know these lands, waters, plants and animals will be protected for the next seven generations. These properties will be placed in the Mi’gmaq land trust, Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu.
Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu was established in 2020 and now protects over 1000 hectares of sacred land in New Brunswick. The land trust’s purpose is to conserve land in accordance with Mi’gmaq values, maintain the land's ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and promote Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language.
“Shemogue in Mi’gmaq is Simogwik which means Simon’s place. The Shemogue area is a mixture of wetlands and forest, with a diverse population of birds, and both small and large mammals. With its bounty of waterways and access to both the Northumberland Strait and the Bay of Fundy was both an important communal area and a well-traveled trade route. We are extremely grateful for NCC’s generous donation” says Chief Rebecca Knockwood, Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation.
As a part of the federal government’s Pathway to Target 1 Challenge program, First Nations in New Brunswick have support to establish a network of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). IPCAs are indigenous led conservation initiatives over lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems. This donation will help toward that effort and will help Canada and New Brunswick meet goals of increasing protected areas in the country by 30% by 2030.
Guardians of the Land: A Journey into Amlamgog First Nation's Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area
An IPCA Summer This documentary features the voices and perspectives of incredible Mi’gmaq youth in New Brunswick, following a summer spent on the land working for Amlamgog’s Indigenous Protected and Cultural Areas project .
Highlighting New Lynx Media’s Story: “Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas help achieve both reconciliation and conservation objectives in NB”
In a significant move towards environmental stewardship, Indigenous communities in New Brunswick are spearheading efforts to protect the Big Salmon River watershed.
This Indigenous-led initiative reflects a deep commitment to preserving the ecological balance of the region. Learn about the innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships driving this conservation project, as communities work together to safeguard not just a river but a way of life rooted in sustainable practices. Dive into the story of how local leadership is championing the protection of natural resources for future generations and setting a powerful example for environmental sustainability.
Read the full article here:
CBC News highlights the ‘Map of New Brunswick with Indigenous place names highlights continued presence’
Unveiling Indigenous Histories:
New Brunswick's groundbreaking initiative to include Mi'kmaq place names on maps is reshaping cultural narratives.
Explore how this collaborative effort is preserving and promoting Indigenous heritage, fostering understanding, and enriching the region's historical tapestry.
Discover the significance of reclaiming Indigenous place names in this transformative journey towards cultural recognition.
Read the Full CBC News Article Below:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-place-names-new-brunswick-mi-kmaq-map-1.6318886
Nature Conservancy of Canada donates 108 acres to Mi’gmaq Land Trust
It is with grateful hearts we announce a new addition to the Land Trust. The land trust’s purpose is to conserve land in accordance with Mi’gmaq values, maintain the land's ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and promote Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language.
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 19, 2022
Nature Conservancy of Canada donates 108 acres to Mi’gmaq Land Trust
The Mi’gmaq as represented by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) and Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), in New Brunswick are proud to announce that 108-acres of land in Shemogue, NB, located in Sikniktewaq, district 6 in the unceded Mi’gmaq territory of SE New Brunswick. With this generous donation, we know these lands, waters, plants and animals will be protected for the next seven generations. These properties will be placed in the Mi’gmaq land trust, Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu.
Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu was established in 2020 and now protects over 1000 hectares of sacred land in New Brunswick. The land trust’s purpose is to conserve land in accordance with Mi’gmaq values, maintain the land's ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and promote Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language.
“Shemogue in Mi’gmaq is Simogwik which means Simon’s place. The Shemogue area is a mixture of wetlands and forest, with a diverse population of birds, and both small and large mammals. With its bounty of waterways and access to both the Northumberland Strait and the Bay of Fundy was both an important communal area and a well-traveled trade route. We are extremely grateful for NCC’s generous donation” says Chief Rebecca Knockwood, Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation.
As a part of the federal government’s Pathway to Target 1 Challenge program, First Nations in New Brunswick have support to establish a network of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). IPCAs are indigenous led conservation initiatives over lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems. This donation will help toward that effort and will help Canada and New Brunswick meet goals of increasing protected areas in the country by 30% by 2030.
Land Gifted to Amlamgog First Nation during Mi'gmaq Ceremony
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2023
Land gifted to Amlamgog during Mi’gmaq ceremony
AMLAMGOG - On July 19th, 2023, on what would have been Elder Donna Augustine’s son Muin’s birthday, she led an Ancestor Ceremony in front of Amlamgog community members and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to honour those who have passed on to the spirit world. Elder Augustine’s teachings spoke of loss, perseverance, and hope. The ceremony allowed those present to reflect not only on the loss of family members but the loss of culture and land.
This ceremony was held on a sacred Mi’gmaq burial ground located on the Fort Folly Peninsula locally referred to as ‘Beaumont’ near Memramcook, NB. At the end of the ceremony, in a true act of reconciliation and friendship, a three-acre waterfront property near the ceremony site was given back to Amlamgog and the Mi’gmaq by Daniel LeBlanc and his family.
“My family were pleased and honoured to participate in the ceremony. We know how important this area is to Amlamgog and we are aware of the wonderful conservation work being done by the community. We are so happy with our decision to make this donation,” said Daniel LeBlanc.
The land is mainly comprised of salt marsh and stretches along 450 meters of the Petigotiag (Petitcodiac) River mud flats, just 100 meters from where the ceremony took place.
“The land holds significant importance for our community and will always be cherished by all the Mi’gmaq families near and far. We will ensure this land will benefit the next seven generations of trees, plants, animals, and people. We cannot thank the LeBlanc family enough for this generous act,” said Chief Rebecca Knockwood of Amlamgog.
Upon returning to Amlamgog First Nation, a community feast and celebration took place with good food, lots of smiles and birthday wishes for Amlamgog’s Knowledge Keeper Nicole Porter. There was a lot of gratitude at the celebration. Elder Augustine presented the gift to the community and acknowledged the day’s events had touched her spirit.
Media Inquiries:
Michelle Knockwood, michelleknockwood@ffhr.ca
About Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation
Amlamgog is a small independent Mi’gmaq community located near Dorchester, NB. The community shows respect for the environment by promoting a safe and healthy community through cultural teachings. The community is a leader in endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon recovery and manages various land conservation projects.
Big Salmon River Saqewi-ilnuwey Awti Declaration
Big Salmon River Saqewi-ilnuwey Awti Declaration Aug 2022
