Ile du Havre de Mingan will thus be integrated into the reserve of the Archipel-de-Mingan National Park, of which Île aux Perroquets is a part. (File photo)
Parks Canada has acquired Île du Havre de Mingan, which will therefore become part of the Parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan (RPNAM) reserve.
Ile du Havre de Mingan was one of the few private islands that could not be annexed to the RPNAM when it was created in 1984.
Parks Canada seized a historic opportunity by acquiring Île du Havre from Mingan. The opportunities for collaboration with the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit are at the heart of this acquisition, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Steven Guilbeault, said in a press release.
The island, with an area of 1.5 km2, is located 500 meters offshore from the community of Ekuanitshit.
The acquisition of Île du Havre de Mingan will promote the development of cultural activities carried out by the Innu of Ekuanitshit and will allow the preservation of traditional practices that have been passed down from generation to generation within the First Nation.
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An Aboriginal guardian program will also be integrated into the RPNAM in collaboration with the Innu community.
After a long portage, it is now up to us to protect Havre de Mingan Island who has protected us for decades and to perpetuate our presence with her. Its protection will be ensured by our Innu guardians of the Nitassinan Islands, as our ancestors perpetuated it for it, also declares in a press release the Chief of the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit, Jean-Charles Piétacho.
Chief of the Innu First Nation of Ekuanitshit, Jean-Charles Piétacho (File photo)
The Innu Council of Ekuanitshit will play an important role in developing the terms of management and use of the island.
More details to come.
