Article content“This is a central area of our province, and our people gathered here, at the foothills of the Cobequid Mountains, where our groceries were coming to us here; the caribou, the moose, and so on,” Julien said. “So, it was a good area for our people to live, and they were living here for thousands of years.” Article contentHe talked about an excavation effort in the area, led by anthropologist and archaeologist George MacDonald, from 1963 to 1965. Article content“He uncovered a lot of information,” Julien said. “From that, when we learned the land was being freed by the national defence, we went after it to make sure other lands here would be protected, especially our archaeological sites. Article content“There are many archaeological sites within this whole area, and we’re hoping, with our centre being built, it will attract major universities that do archaeology, do studies, and keep the things here.” Article contentArticle contentAnd bring back artifacts to the area to be housed at the centre. Article content“We’ve been working with the government of Canada, the museums, and the original artifacts that came out of here in 1963 to 65 – around 4,500 of them – are going to be returned. That was our biggest goal,” Julien added. Article content“Tim and I, we talked to them for quite a while, and finally they said yes, once you have the facility built and can assure everything will be safe, we’ll return them.” Article content Don Julien explained in detail the origins behind the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre project. Julien also gave a blessing and performed a smudging ceremony prior to the start the announcement event. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentBernard talked about anticipated dates for the work. Article content“Architecture has been all done, and this coming spring, 2026, our tender packages will be ready to go out and receive successful bids,” he said. “We hope that in the summer, there will be shovels in the ground.” Article contentBernard said it’s expected to be a two-year build, with another couple of months added on to make sure the finished facility is built to properly handle the priceless artifacts it will eventually house. Article contentArticle content“So, we’re on track to open in November of 2028,” he said. Article contentHe said the total cost of the project, which is expected to host 67,000 visitors annually, is $48.5 million. Article content“We still have a funding gap to cover,” Bernard added, noting it was around $10 million. “We do have enough now to build the facility. The rest of the funding is really to cover a lot of what is going on inside the facility. We’re getting closer.” Article contentHirtle talked about the government continuing to answer the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Article content“We are proud that up to 75 per cent of those 94 steps are either completed or in progress,” she said. “This is another step in fostering that relationship and assuring that Indigenous voices are heard and continue to play the important part they play in all of our communities.” Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Another step closer for Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre
