Celebrating Treaty Day and the launch of a licence plate to recognize PEI Mi’kmaq

October 1, 2025

Annually recognized on October 1, Treaty Day celebrates the relationship between the PEI Mi’kmaq and Islanders, and the province’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.

To celebrate Treaty Day and mark the beginning of Mi’kmaw History Month, the leadership of the Mi’kmaq First Nations joined Premier Rob Lantz today at the Provincial Administration Building courtyard to raise the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag, which will fly for the month of October.

A new specialty licence plate with a Mi’kmaw design was also unveiled today to recognize the PEI Mi’kmaq and their contributions to the Island. It will be available as of October 15 in English and French and features the symbol that means L’nu (the people) in Mi’kmaq. The symbol is a hieroglyph originating in ancient Mi’kma’ki, with its curves representing the life cycle.

The specialty plate is for passenger vehicles only and will cost $10 in addition to standard registration fees. Regular renewal fees will continue to apply in subsequent years.

Quotes:

“On Treaty Day, we honour the enduring relationship between the Mi’kmaq and all Islanders. This day reminds us that the Peace and Friendship Treaties are not just history – they are living agreements that guide how we work together, care for our land, and support our communities. The unveiling of the Mi’kmaw licence plate is a meaningful recognition of our people, our culture, and our connection to this land. As we begin Mi’kmaw History Month, I encourage everyone to take time to learn about our language, traditions, and the significance of these treaties, so that we can continue walking together in respect and friendship.”

— Chief Tabatha Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation

“Treaty Day is a time to reflect on the promises made by our ancestors and reaffirmed today: promises of peace, friendship, and shared responsibility. The new Mi’kmaw licence plate is a tangible symbol of recognition for the contributions of the Mi’kmaq to Epekwitk, and a way for all Islanders to support our presence and heritage every day. As we celebrate this day and the start of Mi’kmaw History Month, let us commit to learning from our shared history, honouring our culture, and building a future together that respects the treaties and the rights of our people.”

— Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit First Nation

“Government is pleased to announce the speciality Mi’kmaw licence plate on Treaty Day. This licence plate is the result of collaboration between the province and the PEI Mi’kmaq and is one of the ways of demonstrating our government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation. I encourage all Islanders to learn more about PEI Mi’kmaq history, culture, and the treaties we’re celebrating today.”

— Honourable Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“This licence plate honours the history, culture and contributions of PEI Mi’kmaq and shows our commitment to working together in the spirit of partnership and reconciliation.”

— Honourable Ernie Hudson, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

The First Nations are holding a Treaty Day Mawio’mi at the Eastlink Centre today (October 1) from 1-5 p.m. to commemorate the historic Peace and Friendship Treaties and the unique relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the Crown. This gathering is a celebration that features Mi’kmaw music, dance and culture, and is open to the public with free admission.

During Mi’kmaw History Month, the provincial Indigenous Relations Secretariat will offer a lunch and learn series and KAIROS Blanket Exercises to public service employees to help inform and educate them about the history, culture, and language of Mi’kmaq people.

Visit Understanding Indigenous Matters and L’nuey to learn more about reconciliation.

For more information on the Mi’kmaq specialty license plates and other plates in PEI, visit or contact any Access PEI location.

Media contacts:

Nicole Yeba
Executive Council Office
ntyeba@gov.pe.ca

Sean Doke
L’nuey
sdoke@lnuey.ca

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