P.E.I.'s First Nation chronicle's history

The Island's First Nation has officially launched a new publication that will chronicle its history.
The monthly newspaper, called the Kwimu Messenger, will celebrate the people, stories, history, culture and language of P.E.I. Mi'kmaq. It replaces three publications, including community newsletters in Lennox Island and Abegweit, and a quarterly publication produced by the Mi'kmaq Confederacy.
Judy Clark of Abegweit is one of the regular contributors.
"It's history, it's recording our history,'' said Clark, as she was surrounded by a series of huge boards displaying larger-than-life versions of the Kwimu Messenger.
Kwimu Messenger had its first publication in January. It will be published monthly and sold across the province.
The paper still doesn't make money. The Mi'kmaq Confederacy finances the publication.
But it is the hope of the publisher to have the paper break even in the months ahead.
Brian Francis, chief of the Abegweit First Nation, said the Kwimu Messenger will be more than an important communication tool for the aboriginal community.
"By sharing the people, stories and customs of the Mi'kmaq we not only help to preserve our culture for future generations, but we celebrate the contributions we make to Prince Edward Island,'' he said.
Clark said the initial response has been positive but she said there were some in the community who were disappointed to lose their individual community publications in both Lennox Island and Abegweit.
"It was a change,'' she said. "But now everybody in P.E.I will get a chance to read about all of our community events.''

wthibodeau@theguardian.pe.ca