New Mi'kmaq name for Bonshaw Provincial Park trail

The main trail at Bonshaw Provincial Park has a new name.

The Ji'ka'we'katik Trail will be the main connection to the four-season trail system that covers 25 kilometres in the park. The name means "the place where bass are plentiful" and is the traditional Mi'kmaq name for the West River.

Paula Biggar, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure joined Chief Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation and Chief Matilda Ramjattan of Lennox Island First Nation to officially name the trail.

"The expanded park and trail system at Bonshaw will allow Islanders to spend time experience and enjoying our province's natural heritage," Biggar said in a release.

'Delighted' to have the main trail named

An accessible, natural play playground is being developed at the park. It and the expanded park trail system are scheduled to open in 2017.

"We are delighted to have this main trail named to honour the Mi'kmaq heritage of the island," said Francis. "All of Prince Edward Island is traditional Mi'kmaq territory and the Indigenous Mi'kmaq have been here for 10,000 years."

Bonshaw Park consists of more than 400 acres of riverfront land.

"It is vital that all Islanders be exposed to our traditions and language, and this trail represents a step in that direction," said Ramjattan in a release.

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