Peskotomuhkati Nation to Showcase Cultural Artifacts at Camp Chiputneticook

Like many First Nations, Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick has long been looking for opportunities to preserve its history, language, and culture.

A chance to do so emerged in 2018, when the Canadian federal government transferred ownership of Camp Chiputneticook to the Nation. The large property and lodge, closely tied to Passamaquoddy history, was also home to over 100 artefacts, including tools, beaded clothing, jewelry, woven baskets, and canoes, making it the first known collection of Passamaquoddy objects in Canada.

Many of these artefacts require climate-controlled conditions due to their fragile nature, which complicates displaying them for the Nation’s citizens, especially the youth who often lack exposure to these items and their cultural significance.

A grant provided by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will allow Peskotomuhkati Nation to produce high-resolution photographs of the artefacts, which will be printed on canvas, labeled, and displayed at the lodge and other community buildings. This initiative will give the Nation’s citizens access to these pieces of their heritage while also providing neighbours an opportunity to learn about and appreciate Peskotomuhkati culture.

The high-resolution photos and their displays are a creative way to share the rich history and culture of the Peskotomuhkati Nation. As the Nation works toward securing the necessary infrastructure to safely showcase some of artefacts at the lodge, this project represents an important step in preserving the stories and traditions that connect past, present, and future generations.

Diocese of Saint John