S11E15 - Prince Edward Island Joins Canada
From Curious Canadian History by David Borys
April 21, 2026 · 47 min
About this episode
This episode explores the complex history of Prince Edward Island, from its Mi’kmaq roots to its entry into Canadian Confederation, highlighting themes of colonialism and identity.
Prince Edward Island is often imagined as a quiet, pastoral place—rolling fields, red sand beaches, and small communities shaped by the rhythms of the sea. But beneath that picturesque surface lies a history that is far more complex, contested, and revealing than its postcard image suggests. Today we trace parts of that story. From its earliest days as Mi’kmaq territory, through European contact and colonization, to its reluctant entry into Canadian Confederation. We’ll explore how land ownership disputes—particularly the controversial absentee landlord system—shaped generations of Islanders, fueling resistance and political change. We’ll also look at how the island’s strategic position in the Gulf of St. Lawrence made it a site of imperial rivalry, and how its identity evolved over time through migration, agriculture, and cultural mythmaking. This is not just a regional story—it’s a lens into broader themes of colonialism, resistance, and nation-building in Canada. Prince Edward Island is so much more than little a pastoral escape, it’s a place where identity is foundational and history has left a deep and lasting mark. Edward MacDonald is Professor Emeritus in the Department of…
People in this episode
Guest: Edward MacDonald
Topics covered
- Prince Edward Island
- Canadian Confederation
- colonialism
- land ownership disputes
- identity
Keywords
- history
- education
- society
- culture
- migration
- agriculture
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Geography of Home: Poems for a Lost Time
Places: Prince Edward Island, Canada, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Atlantic
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