L’nuey is an initiative dedicated to advancing, protecting, and implementing the constitutionally protected rights of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq — the Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). Our mission is to address historical and ongoing imbalances between Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq people in Epekwitk (PEI) and to support a path forward based on Mi’kmaw rights, recognition, and respect.
All of L’nuey’s work is guided by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils — the full councils of both Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.
Our Work
Established in 2019, L’nuey was created to ensure that the rights of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq are advanced and implemented through respectful and cooperative processes. Central to this is the Mi’kmaq-Prince Edward Island-Canada Framework Agreement, which affirms historic Mi’kmaq treaties and commits the Federal and Provincial governments to negotiations on outstanding Aboriginal and treaty rights claims.
L’nuey’s responsibilities focus on three core areas:
- Negotiations – upholding Mi’kmaq rights in formal discussions with governments.
- Consultations – ensuring Mi’kmaq voices are meaningfully included in decision-making.
- Governance Development & Communications – strengthening Mi’kmaq governance and sharing updates with the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and the broader public.
What L’nuey Means
The word L’nuey (Ul-noo-ay) means “Belonging to or pertaining to the Mi’kmaq People as a whole.” Its tagline — Advancing Mi’kmaq Rights in Epekwitk — reflects the collective commitment to unity, collaboration, and self-determination for the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaq of PEI).
What Our Logo Means
The L’nuey logo is rooted in the traditions, history, and spirituality of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq.
Its colours draw from natural Island dyes and pigments, the eight-point star symbolizes universal guidance and protection, and the basket-weaving design represents the collaboration and skill needed to move forward together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L’nuey?
L’nuey is an initiative focused on protecting and implementing the constitutionally-entrenched rights of the PEI Mi’kmaq. L’nuey means “belonging to the people” and it is the guiding principle behind the negotiations, consultation and governance development work that will happen through the organization.
What is L’nuey’s mission?
L’nuey’s mission is to address both past and present imbalances between Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq people in Prince Edward Island.
What is the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils?
The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils is the PEI Mi’kmaq governing body, consisting of the Chiefs and all Councillors from both Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation. The Assembly is responsible for both L’nuey and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.
What is L’nuey responsible for?
The work of L’nuey is related to the three main pillars of responsibilities of the organization – Negotiations, Consultation and Governance Development.
Who will represent the Mi’kmaq in the negotiations under L’nuey?
The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils is responsible for the negotiations that happen through L’nuey. L’nuey will serve and support the leadership in the negotiation process. Any major decisions will need to be voted on by the PEI Mi’kmaq.
What is the relationship between L’nuey and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI?
Through the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, these organizations are governed by the full First Nations leadership of the province.
What do these negotiations hope to achieve in the short-term? In the long-term?
In the short-term, negotiations may take place to achieve interim agreements on specific issues, from land and water to law-making authority. There may also be negotiations to resolve specific outstanding matters resulting from breaches of obligations by the federal government, such as the Hog Island Specific Claim. In the longer-term, there may be negotiations on larger more comprehensive agreements, with self-government objectives.
How will decisions be made with regard to negotiations under L’nuey?
Nothing will be approved without the direction and support of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, including how the Mi’kmaq will approve decisions. Longer-term objectives for more comprehensive agreements would require Mi’kmaq community ratification.
Is L’nuey part of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI?
No. L’nuey has its own distinct organizational structure and dedicated resources, which are required to support the Assembly in the Rights-based Negotiations and Nationhood rebuilding efforts.
What role does the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI now serve?
The Confederacy now has a clear mandate with regard to shared programs and services, as well as serving as Tribal Council and Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO).
