Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Prince Edward Island and Confederation
Caption: Official photograph of the Fathers of Confederation at Government House
When Canada began expanding westward, attention was diverted from what would be her smallest province. After Manitoba joined confederation in 1870, Prince Edward Island rethought her decision not to join.
Prince Edward Island, or P.E.I. as she is affectionately known, was originally the territory of the Micmac people. They called the island Abegweit [ah-BEG-wate], which meant land cradled on the waves.
The explorer Jacques Cartier described the island as "the most beautiful stretch of land imaginable." Champlain named it St. John's Island in 1603. In 1763, it changed from French to English control. Then, in 1799, the name was changed to Prince Edward Island.
