04 Oct Membertou Supports Mi’kmaw Heritage and Preservation Through Donation to Mi’kmawey Debert
October 4, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMBERTOU, N.S – Following the observances for Treaty Day and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Membertou is marking the importance of celebrating and preserving culture for
generations to come.
Led by an Elders Advisory Council, their vision is to see this new world class cultural centre built, which has followed their guiding principles. The centre will be a space for sharing stories, exploring Mi’kmaq history through research and knowledge-sharing, and keeping close the values of our ancestors, all while creating space to welcome everyone to learn.
The concept for Mi’kmawey Debert’s new Cultural Centre is that it will be a central gathering place, focused on preserving and sharing the culture of Mi’kma’ki’s first people. Understanding the need to do so, Membertou is proudly supporting this project with a donation of $60,000 per year for five years for a total of $300,000.
The donation will help to support the build of a centre which will create permanent access to cultural objects, materials, and collections. It will support up to 60,000 visitors annually. The cultural centre will also be a healing space with programming for residential and Indian day school survivors. It will boast year-round educational programming for all ages, and prioritize Mi’kmaw research and knowledge growth.
Chief Terry Paul of Membertou says the donation will have a great impact on the continuation of culture sharing in the province. “Mi’kmawey Debert’s Cultural Centre will be unlike any in our territory. Its potential to wrap itself around both the Mi’kmaw in the province, and our allies and friends, is powerful. We’re so proud to support this important initiative that is being led by the wisdom of our elders,” says Paul.
The Executive Director of Mi’kmawey Debert’s Cultural Centre, Tim Bernard is thrilled to welcome Membertou’s donation to the cause. “Our true vision of the new cultural centre is to have this be a project that is for the Mi’kmaw nation, by the Mi’kmaw nation. Membertou’s gift to our centre is the ultimate display of communities stepping forward to ensure our histories live on for generations to come,” says Bernard.
To learn more about the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, please visit:
www.mikmaweydebert.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Kelsea MacNeil
Director, Public Relations & Business Development
kelseamacneil@membertou.ca
902-578-4858
Tim Bernard
Executive Director, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
902-890-5417