Developing the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre involves intentional and comprehensive planning for the future — inspired by love for our people and respect for our past.
A dynamic and meaningful centre for Mi’kmaw people and for visitors from across Nova Scotia, Canada, and the world, it is thought of as “a coming home place.” Visitor experiences will encompass archaeological sites, outdoor trails, and immersion in Mi’kmaw worldviews and perspectives of the near and distant past. It will be a place for people to go to celebrate who we are, have been, and will be. We will ask our own questions and tell our own stories to each other and the world.
The Mi’kmawey Debert staff meet with the Elders’ Advisory…
Ensuring Mi’kmaw ownership of the project is at the core of our efforts. With a mandate from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, the project is undertaken for all thirteen Mi’kmaw communities by the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. Monthly guidance from the Elders’ Advisory Council, community outreach, and a curatorial group of experts from across the Province, generate community involvement at many levels.
Sustainability of the Centre is the second pillar of a planning process. A comprehensive Feasibility Study, a Plan for Visitor Experiences, a Master Site Plan, and a Functional Program are now completed. These documents, guided by the Elders’ original vision statement, lay the foundation for a realistic and sustainable operation for many decades.
A schematic diagram showing the conceptual framework of the Centre…
A schematic of the Centre showing different spaces and their adjacencies. Note that this…
A schematic of the first gallery designed to be a total immersion experience…
Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre announces capital campaign
Press Release: Mi’kmaw History Month Commitee Unveils Poster For 2024
sharing our stories
[…] and for visitors from across Nova Scotia, Canada and the world. Currently in the planning stages, the Centre will be built in Debert, Nova Scotia—a place where the Mi’kmaw lived more than 11,000 […]
what year the centre expected to open?
Hi Stacey,
The project is currently waiting on a number of significant funding commitments. After those commitments are made, it will take approximately 48 months to open the Centre.
MDCC Staff
Is this project still on going?
Mary Louise
Hello Mary Louise,
Yes, this project is still ongoing. Although the physical centre is not yet built the work we do is driven by our dedication to sharing, protecting and exploring the stories and lives of our earliest ancestors and those who have come after them in Mi’kma’ki. If you are interested in donating to help #BuildTheVision for the future Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, click here: https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/donations/
Kind regards,
The MDCC team.
On Canada Day, is there anything to do regarding the centre?
Wela’lin
Hello Joe,
Wela’liek for thinking of us for your Canada Day celebrations. We are not currently hosting any events or initiatives as the Centre is not yet built. Our recommendation would be to check out some community Facebook pages to see if they are planning any Mi’kmaw cultural activities. Hope this helps and have a lovely long weekend.
The MDCC Team
I am looking forward SO much to visiting the centre when it opens. I suspect that the opening will be delayed due to the pandemic but do you have a time in mind yet for the date? Thank-you.
Hello Melba,
Our expected opening is 2025. We look forward to seeing you there once the Centre is open.
The MDCC Team