Mahsusuwi-monihkuk: A New Name for a Storied Island
In a meaningful step toward reconciliation and shared stewardship, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick has announced a new name for one of its cherished nature preserves. What was once known as Tobique Island Nature Preserve—VEFF-2783 (POTA: CA-5233)—will now be called Mahsusuwi-monihkuk Nature Preserve. This renaming is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Indigenous peoples' traditional languages and honour the deep cultural connections between land and language.
A Journey of Rediscovery
The renaming process is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a collaborative journey. Indigenous elders, including Wolastoqey Grand Chief spasaqsit possesom (Ron Tremblay), have been invited to visit various preserves, experience the land, and propose new names in their traditional language. For Mahsusuwi-monihkuk, the inspiration came from the land itself.
During a visit to the island, spasaqsit possesom was struck by the lush growth of ostrich ferns—known locally as fiddleheads—that thrive across the island’s interior. As he explored, he reflected on memories of the area from his youth, the significance of its natural features, and the stories woven into its landscape. After paddling around the island and consulting with other elders, the name “Mahsusuwi-monihkuk,” meaning “a place of fiddlehead island,” was chosen to reflect both the ecology and the enduring cultural ties to the land.
Honouring Language and Land
This initiative is part of the Nature Trust’s commitment to reconciliation, recognizing that these lands had names—often beautifully descriptive—long before colonial maps were drawn. By restoring these traditional names, the Nature Trust aims to acknowledge the land's original stewards and help revitalize Indigenous languages for future generations.
Stephanie Merrill, CEO of the Nature Trust, describes the process as “a small step that we can take on our journey of reconciliation and shared stewardship of the land, to revitalize some of the language at these preserves that we take care of for everyone.”
A Network of Protected Places
Mahsusuwi-monihkuk Nature Preserve (VEFF-2783) sits alongside POTA CA-5233 (Tobique Island Protected Area), forming a vital part of the region’s protected network. The preserve is a haven for biodiversity and a living classroom for cultural and ecological learning.
Looking Forward
The renaming of Tobique Island Nature Preserve to Mahsusuwi-monihkuk is the latest in a series of name changes at Nature Trust preserves, each a celebration of language, history, and connection to the land. As these new names are adopted, they invite all visitors—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—to see these places through fresh eyes and to honour the stories they hold.
For the Nature Trust and its partners, this work is just beginning. As more preserves receive traditional names, the hope is that these acts of recognition and respect will inspire deeper relationships with the land and each other.
To learn more about the Nature Trust’s naming initiative and to explore Mahsusuwi-monihkuk Nature Preserve, visit Nature Trust of New Brunswick
