CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - In a first for Island political campaigns, Premier Dennis King announced today that the PC Party has deployed election signage featuring the Mi’kmaq language in electoral districts with Indigenous communities across Prince Edward Island.
Over the past four years, the PC government under the leadership of Dennis King has worked to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities through a series of measures, including being the first Canadian province to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday, working collaboratively with Indigenous groups to advance Treaty Education, piloting new indigenous history material in the school curriculum, and ongoing work to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The signage features Premier King, and local district candidates, and includes the party’s slogan “With You. For You.” translated in the Mi’kmaq language: Tekweyul Wkjit Ki'l. Signage has been deployed in District 7, Morell-Donagh; District 17, New Haven-Rocky Point; and District 25, O’Leary-Inverness, all of which include indigenous communities.
“There are many steps to take on the long walk to reconciliation but I’m very proud of the steps that we have taken as a province on that journey over the last four years. I’m especially proud that our party is taking yet another step forward with this initiative to expand outreach to our Island's indigenous community which is a first in Island's political history. It’s a sign of friendship and respect,” said Premier Dennis King.
“I am very happy to see the Mi’kmaq language being used in the election signage and it is the first time ever in our province's history,” said Chief Darlene Bernard, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation. “It speaks to the Premier’s commitment to the revitalization of the Mi’kmaq language in our province.”