Canada is in the process of adding two new national parks over the coming years. One, in collaboration with the Mi’kmaq First Nations government, will protect coastal dune ecosystems on Prince Edward Island, while the other, on a site yet to be picked, will provide an urban oasis at St Johns, Newfoundland.
Pituamkek, which means “At the Long Sand Dune,” on PEI, is home to ancient and continuing Mi’kmaw land-use traditions, important cultural and archaeological sites, rare and sensitive ecosystems, and unique geological formations. Pituamkek is a place of remarkable natural beauty due to its coastal dune systems, old-growth forests, and Prince Edward Island’s only igneous rock incursion.
The St John’s plan is for a new park that would improve access to nature and greenspace for residents of St. John’s as well as visitors and provide opportunities to amplify and honour Indigenous voices and stories. It would also create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and complement local and regional tourism. A number of sites have been suggested, but no final decision has been made yet.
