The Mi’gmawei Mawio’mi Secretariat (MMS) has worked closely with the Canadian government and the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) to rectify a longstanding oversight in mapping the Peace and Friendship Treaties. This initiative addresses the previous exclusion of the Gaspé Peninsula, a key area within Gespe’gewa’gi, ensuring a more accurate representation of treaty beneficiaries.

The LMG advocated for this crucial change for years, highlighting the inconsistency within Canada’s mapping. Despite recognizing communities such as Gespeg, Gesgapegiag, Listuguj, and Viger as Treaty beneficiaries, their territories were notably absent from official treaty maps. This discrepancy was especially pronounced considering the signing of Reconciliation and Relationship Agreements (RRAs) with Listuguj and Viger, which affirmed their status as parties to these treaties. Yet, the maps used for educational and consultation purposes remained unchanged, failing to reflect this acknowledgment.

In response to these concerns, we have updated the maps used in the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) and Historic Treaties of Canada maps. This revision incorporates the territories of the modern-day collectives located in the Province of Quebec, including the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, Micmacs of Gesgapegiag First Nation, and La Nation Micmac de Gespeg, all of whom are signatories to the Peace and Friendship Treaties.

This updated mapping is designed for illustrative purposes, facilitating a more inclusive approach to consultation activities that impact the traditional lands of Peace and Friendship Treaty signatories.