CHARLOTTETOWN –
Members of the Prince Edward Island legislature have voted unanimously to ask the federal government to change the name of the Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing.
Epekwitk is the Mi’kmaq word for “something lying on the water,” and it is the traditional name the Mi’kmaq people have long used to describe the Island.
Several members of the legislature stood in the house of assembly to speak in favor of the proposed change, saying the new name would reflect the province’s commitment to reconciliation.
PEI Premier Dennis King put forward the motion.
The 12.9-kilometre bridge linking PEI with New Brunswick was completed in 1997.
The Mi’kmaq people have been living on the Island for 12,000 years.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2022.