Islanders receive 2026 Heritage Awards
Press Release
March 23, 2026
Several Islanders have been recognized for their contributions to preserving and promoting Prince Edward Island’s heritage.
PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, along with Lieutenant Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun, presented the 2026 Heritage Awards to individuals and groups across a range of categories at Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside recently.
“Preserving our heritage takes time, care, and a strong connection to our province. These Islanders who are being recognized have demonstrated all of that. I’m grateful for their efforts and the impact they have on communities across Prince Edward Island.”
— Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism Ernie Hudson
The winners included:
Heritage Recognition Awards
- Rosemary Curley
- Barbara MacDonald
- Johanne Vigneault
- Chris Ortenburger
- Gary MacDougall
- Carolyn McKillop
- Andrews Tribune Newsletter
- Benevolent Irish Society of Prince Edward Island
Mary Cornfoot Brehaut Genealogy Award
- Jean MacKayNatural Heritage Activity Award
- Jake HardingVolunteer of the Year
- Percy AffleckIrene Rogers Architectural Award
- Mark RoddWendell Boyle Performance Award
- Richard WoodAcademic Publication of the Year
- Frank GillanCreative Publication of the Year
- Kate MacQuarrieCatherine Hennessey Heritage Activism Award – Young Adult Category
- Town of StratfordCatherine Hennessey Heritage Activism Award – Adult Category
- Town of StratfordBoyde Beck Memorial Award
- Connecting Conversations Indigenous Language & Drumming ProgramBoyde Beck Memorial Bursary
- Miyuki FujimaruAward of Honour
- Clarence Ryan
“Our Island’s heritage is carried forward by people who care deeply about it,” said PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation executive director Matthew McRae. “It’s always uplifting to see such strong commitment from individuals and organizations across this province; the Heritage Awards give us a chance to acknowledge their fantastic work.”
For more information visit PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation Heritage Awards.
Media Contact:
Mitchell Crouse
PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation
mcrouse@gov.pe.ca
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