Mi’kmaw Cultural Centre Aims to Recover Belongings from U.S., Preserve History

The article highlights Executive Director Tim Bernard’s efforts to establish the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre in Debert, N.S., aimed at reclaiming and preserving Mi’kmaw belongings, such as regalia and traditional games, currently held in U.S. institutions like the Smithsonian. Bernard, a longtime advocate for Indigenous storytelling and culture, has been instrumental in fundraising for the 48-million-dollar project, which includes a12 million-dollar fundraising goal (with $7.3 million already raised). The centre, set to open in 2028, will also protect 13,000-year-old ancestral sites and serve as a hub for Mi’kmaw history. Bernard’s career, including his work as Editor of the Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Nation News, underscores his commitment to Indigenous self-determination and cultural preservation.

“We’re bringing these pieces back to the community—where they belong.” — Tim Bernard

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