The federal government announced $6 million in new funding for Indigenous tourism across Canada via the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s SITES program.

A portion supports construction of the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) near Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia, to share Mi’kmaq history and culture with visitors and students.

MDCC Executive Director Tim Bernard says, “Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture directly from Mi’kmaw voices. Projects like this take many partners, and this investment helps us continue the work of building a space that will welcome students, families, and visitors from across Mi’kma’ki and beyond.”

Funding also reaches Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The investment will create over 100 jobs, draw 500,000+ annual visitors, and boost Indigenous economies by expanding cultural tourism, infrastructure, and growth.

Bernard adds, “In the years ahead, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we will welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi’kmaw history, culture, and understand our 13,000 years of connection to this land.”