(Charlottetown) Prince Edward Island elected officials voted unanimously to pass a motion calling on the federal government to change the name of the Confederation Bridge to the Epekwitk crossing.
Posted at 1:54 p.m.
In the Mi’kmaq language, Epekwitk means “that which lies on the water”. It is also the word used by the Mi’kmaq people to describe the Island.
Several deputies rose in the chamber to express their opinion in favor of this change. They believe that this new name would be proof that the province wishes to reconcile with the First Nations.
It was the premier of the province, Dennis King, who tabled this motion.
Construction of the 12.9 kilometer bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick, was completed in 1997.
The Mi’kmaq people have lived on the Island for 12,000 years.