Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre Receives Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award

Press Release

Cultural centre recognized at the recent TIAPEI Awards Gala

December 15, 2017                        Charlottetown, PEI                  Parks Canada Agency

The Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre celebrates the history and culture of the Mi’kmaq through interpretive displays, artifacts, photographs, and innovative sustainable product development.

For their creativity and dedication to protecting the environment, the cultural centre was awarded the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism award – held at the 2017 Annual Awards Gala for the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island,

The Centre has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and has drawn greater attention and appreciation for the natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage of Lennox Island and the Mi’kmaq people. Through enhanced partnerships and initiatives, the Centre has offered experiential tourism opportunities such as the “Quill Work Demonstration Program”, the “Lobster Feast, Culture and Tourism Tours” and workshops, teachings and artwork demonstrations through the Communities at Risk program, in collaboration with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.

Created in 2006, the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award recognizes a demonstrated commitment to excellence, encourages appreciation, and respect for our natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage, promotes sustainable development, and fosters a greater public awareness of the economic, social, cultural, and environmental significance of tourism.

Parks Canada works collaboratively with tourism industry and Indigenous partners, such as the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, to advance new and innovative Indigenous tourism activities that are developed and delivered by First Nations.

Quotes

“Congratulations to the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre on receiving this important award. As our government invests in promoting Canada’s unparalleled natural beauty and unique cultural heritage to tourists around the world, we also must recognize the importance of managing our amazing natural attractions sustainably. Indigenous tourism employs more than 33,000 people and contributes $1.4 billion of Canada’s annual GDP. And we are working closely with partners, like the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to further invest in and grow this vital part of our tourism industry. By recognizing tourism leaders such as the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre, Parks Canada is helping to celebrate tourism providers who not only support local economies, but to also develop tourism activities that allow more travelers to appreciate our natural and cultural heritage.”

The Honourable Bardish Chagger
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

“Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre is a wonderful example of a Prince Edward Island tourism operator that not only helps support our economy, but provides valuable opportunities for visitors to our island to learn about the rich and vibrant Mi’kmaq culture. I offer my congratulations to the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre on winning the 2017 Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award.”

Mr. Robert Morrissey
Member of Parliament, Egmont

Quick Facts

• Parks Canada celebrates and commemorates the importance of Indigenous culture to the complete story of Canada. Working together with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
• The Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre officially opened on June 28, 2000. Since 2015, the Centre has made major strides in experiential tourism through the work of Culture and Tourism coordinator Jamie Thomas, and Mike Randall, Community Economic Development Officer with Lennox Island Development Corporation.
• The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island is the voice of PEI’s tourism industry. Its annual Tourism Awards recognize those who have contributed a high degree of professionalism and/or support in the tourism industry. Ten individuals and groups were recognized this year, including the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre.
• For 2018 and beyond, Parks Canada will make discovering nature and connecting with our history easier and more affordable for families with free admission for youth 17 and under. By making admission free for youth 17 and under, Canada is celebrating families and the importance of our protected areas.

Associated Links

• Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre
• TIAPEI’s Annual Tourism Industry Awards
• Parks Canada mobile application
• Parks Canada website

Contacts

Janette Gallant
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
janette.gallant@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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