The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI) is proud to partner with the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation to bring vibrant cultural programming to Basin Head Provincial Park this summer.
The Mi’kmaq Storytelling Series is a celebration of Indigenous culture, inviting Islanders and visitors alike to experience traditional Mi’kmaq storytelling, singing, drumming, and dancing. Led by Epekwitk’s own Mi’kmaq Storyteller Julie Pellissier-Lush and the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, these captivating performances honour the rich traditions, history, and spirit of the Mi’kmaq People.
“Having the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors here at Basin Head is truly an honor. Their performances of cultural traditions are vibrant, energetic, fun, and educational. They invite us to better understand the world around us and our connections to the land, sea, and air. We can learn so much through their stories.” – Elizabeth MacDonald, Site Manager at Basin Head Fisheries Museum
Now in its third summer, the series was launched in 2024 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area — the only marine protected area on Prince Edward Island. Coordinated by MCPEI’s Integrated Resource Management Team, the program celebrates the deep connection between the Mi’kmaq people and the land and ocean, while highlighting the shared responsibility to protect and preserve our marine environment.
“The Mi’kmaq have been stewards of this land and ocean for millennia. Bringing our stories back to Basin Head is a reminder that protecting our environment begins with listening to those who have been here since the beginning,” says Kateri Coade, Executive Director of MCPEI. “Our Integrated Resources Management Team puts those values into practice every day, and we’re very proud of the work they’ve done for this series.”
This series kicks off Saturday, July 4 and runs weekly through the end of August. On select Sundays, visitors can also experience a special Mini Mawio’mi. Mawio’mi meaning “gathering” Mi’kmaq is a joyful cultural celebration where First Nations communities come together to share traditions through drumming, dancing, storytelling, and more.
All events are free to attend.
SCHEDULE
- Cultural Performances: 1:30 – 2:30 PM Saturdays: July 4, 18 & 25 · August 1, 15, 22 & 29
- Mini Mawio’mis: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Sundays: July 12 · August 9
- Location: Basin Head Provincial Park (Performances move indoors to the Basin Head Fisheries Museum in case of inclement weather)
For more information about the Mi’kmaq Storytelling Series, visit mcpei.ca