About

Lennox Island, a 540-hectare island located in Malpeque Bay off the northwest coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Connected by a short causeway and bridge, Lennox Island is home to 450 Lennox Island First Nation band members. Lennox Island First Nation has in total 1056 band members, many of which live off reserve. There are four main businesses here, the Lennox Island Development Corporation, Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, Fisherman’s Pride, and Malpek Cannabis/Tmawey Smoke Shop. They are also home to a community owned thrift shop, health centre, elementary school, church, craft shop, cultural centre, daycare, and a brand-new fire hall. Culturally, they have nature trails to help community members and visitors reconnect with nature, blueberry fields and the beginnings of our green house project. As well as a women’s shelter, sweat lodge, Aboriginal Women’s Association PEI head office, and our wonderful ceremonial Mawi’omi grounds.

You’ll arrive looking for knowledge, and with all these opportunities, you’ll leave with a full heart and a new understanding of the beautiful rich culture, history and traditions of the Mi’kmaq on PEI.

About

Lennox Island, a 540-hectare island located in Malpeque Bay off the northwest coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Connected by a short causeway and bridge, Lennox Island is home to 450 Lennox Island First Nation band members. Lennox Island First Nation has in total 1056 band members, many of which live off reserve. There are four main businesses here, the Lennox Island Development Corporation, Bideford Shellfish Hatchery, Fisherman’s Pride, and Malpek Cannabis/Tmawey Smoke Shop. They are also home to a community owned thrift shop, health centre, elementary school, church, craft shop, cultural centre, daycare, and a brand-new fire hall. Culturally, they have nature trails to help community members and visitors reconnect with nature, blueberry fields and the beginnings of our green house project. As well as a women’s shelter, sweat lodge, Aboriginal Women’s Association PEI head office, and our wonderful ceremonial Mawi’omi grounds.

You’ll arrive looking for knowledge, and with all these opportunities, you’ll leave with a full heart and a new understanding of the beautiful rich culture, history and traditions of the Mi’kmaq on PEI.

Annual Cultural Days

Third Monday in February – Islander Day

This is the start of Winter Carnival which lasts all week long and consists of fun family actitivies.

Aboriginal Awareness Week – Last full week in May

There are many activities with school children here, schools come in to spend time learning, hearing the stories and taking part in traditional activities.

Indigenous People’s Day - June 21
There is usually a flag raising somewhere on the island on this day, and events led by the Cultural Centre held at the school. There are speeches, visits by dignitaries, and a small feast with drumming dancing and fun for the whole family.
St. Anne Sunday - Third Sunday in July
A day that starts with mass at the St. Anne Church in Lennox Island, followed by a community parade with dignitaries, plates of food that can be purchased, and many fun activities for the children and families to take part in, as well as craft tables and food vendors.
Annual Mawi’omi - August
The Cultural Centre provides the annual Mawi’omi with two full days of drumming, dancing, art, language, evening activities, and a feast to end each day. There will also be fun traditional foods for sale as well as camping opportunities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day - September 30

A day to hear about our struggles we have survived and our resilience.

Treaty Day - October 1

A day to talk and learn about the Treaties.

Indigenous Veterans Day – November 8

This is a day to pay tribute to our Indigenous war heroes, many of whom did not get to return home.

What Visitors Can Expect

When you visit, depending on the time of year and type of experience you are looking for, you can hear about our language, learn about our drumming and song, see our dances, and listen to the stories of long, long ago. You can also examine our artifacts, feast on our traditional foods, explore our amazing trails and beaches, use your hands to make crafts and drums, or buy a unique and beautiful souvenir for the craft shop. Depending on the time of year, you can also take part in traditional ceremonies and come to our annual gatherings where we share our knowledge, traditions and customs.

What Visitors Can Expect

When you visit, depending on the time of year and type of experience you are looking for, you can hear about our language, learn about our drumming and song, see our dances, and listen to the stories of long, long ago. You can also examine our artifacts, feast on our traditional foods, explore our amazing trails and beaches, use your hands to make crafts and drums, or buy a unique and beautiful souvenir for the craft shop. Depending on the time of year, you can also take part in traditional ceremonies and come to our annual gatherings where we share our knowledge, traditions and customs.