The Campaign for Mi’kmawey Debert
Change is underway. Your support for Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) transcends traditional donations—it empowers the Mi’kmaw people to explore our own inquiries and narrate our own tales. For over a century, our stories have been told by others and our artifacts held by non-Mi’kmaw institutions. Now, that era is drawing to a close in Mi’kma’ki and beyond.
At MDCC, we are not just curating; we are revolutionizing how our culture is shared, bringing about tangible change in Mi’kma’ki and across Canada. Your contributions enable Mi’kmaw voices to articulate our stories and history firsthand. From engaging educational initiatives to innovative exhibits and eco-friendly practices, every facet of MDCC is shaped by Mi’kmaw perspectives and principles.
Focusing on healing, MDCC is set to be a vibrant and impactful hub for the Mi’kmaw community and visitors from Nova Scotia, across Canada, and around the globe. We are on the cusp of realizing the dream of a Mi’kmaw-led cultural centre. Be a part of this transformative journey—join us!
Goal of the campaign: $12M
(Raised $7M to date)
“Bringing home the many beautifully handmade items that our previous generations have made will be tremendous feat. But to build a beautiful place where they can be displayed for present and future generations to admire will be priceless.” — Senator Dan Christmas
Elders’ Advisory Council
We are honoured to be guided by the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders’ Advisory Council, an exceptional assembly of educators, healers, survivors, language specialists, and cultural experts. This remarkable group brings together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom, rooted deeply in Mi’kmaq traditions and teachings. The group’s diverse expertise plays a crucial role in shaping our work, ensuring that our initiatives are grounded in cultural integrity and respect. The Elders’ contributions go beyond mere guidance; they are the torchbearers of cultural preservation, providing invaluable insights that help us honour the past while paving the way for future generations. The council’s leadership is a cornerstone of our efforts, as we strive to create spaces of healing and learning.
Elder’s Advisory CouncilLeadership Team
Our private sector campaign engages businesses, individuals, and organizations across Canada, led by Dr. Donald M. Julien of Millbrook First Nation and retired Senator Dan Christmas of Membertou First Nation. Both are respected leaders with a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and opportunities. Supported by a team of prominent Canadians, this initiative aims to build partnerships that foster collaboration and shared responsibility in addressing key national issues. By mobilizing resources and advocating for action, the campaign seeks to inspire collective contributions toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all Canadians.
LEADERSHIP TEAMCuratorial Team
At Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, a team of artists, educators, researchers, and community knowledge holders work to safeguard Mi’kmaw belongings, stories, and traditions. The team fosters meaningful partnerships with cultural institutions, academic researchers, and Indigenous communities, creating a foundation for shared stewardship and knowledge exchange. Through the group’s efforts, the team is building a legacy of cultural understanding, with a focus on honouring Mi’kmaw heritage and ensuring it remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.
CURATORIAL TEAM“Building Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre is not just about preserving our past; it’s about empowering future generations to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, connecting to the land, our stories, and our language. This Centre will be a place of healing, learning, and pride—a true homecoming for our people and an invitation for all to understand and honour Mi’kmaw heritage.” — Dr. Donald M. Julien
Testimonials
At Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, the support of donors forms the foundation of our mission to create lasting change. This generosity enables us to continue work that impacts many lives and fosters essential connections. These testimonials reflect the deep commitment donors feel toward the Centre, highlighting shared motivations and values that drive each contribution. Through these words, you’ll glimpse the profound impact of collective support and the strength of a community dedicated to positive transformation.
“If you listen, the earth shouts out our stories.”
– Elders’ Advisory Council
Ways to Give
Your support is crucial in bringing Mi’kmawey Debert to life. The Campaign funds key elements such as the construction of our facilities, the design and creation of exhibitions, and the development of extensive programming and digitization of our cultural assets. By contributing, you play an essential role in building a space that champions Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being, fostering a more just and equitable world. Your gift helps preserve and share the rich heritage of the Mi’kmaw people, ensuring it is celebrated and passed down for generations to come.
Donor Recognition
Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre honours contributions in ways that align deeply with Mi’kmaw values and connections to the land. Recognition options include engraved granite boulders in the Donor Grove, along with trees that symbolize Mi’kmaw cultural ties, such as Red Maple and White Pine. Additional markers like Slate River Stones, Sweetgrass plantings, and Eel Weir River Stones each represent unique aspects of Mi’kmaw traditions and landscapes.
Donate ▼For interior recognition, donors can select options like a small room plaque, entrance seating, or seating along the east facade, where morning light brings renewal. The Wall of Recognition honours Elders, featuring their names and stories, while window etchings connect donors with the land’s view.
Visuals such as iron cutouts of significant animals, stories, and modest plaques bring Mi’kmaw narratives to life. For smaller donations, recognition includes digital displays and website acknowledgments, ensuring every donor’s impact is acknowledged. Contributions are celebrated equally, creating a sustainable, meaningful legacy that reflects Mi’kmaw culture and appreciation for the land.
sharing our stories