Next Steps

In December 2008 the MDCC Elders Advisory Council were involved in the site selection and future home of the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. After an intensive site planning exercise, the EAC walked the land and to recommend the location, which overlooks the 13,000 year old archaeological sites.

The planning for Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) is transitioning from planning processes to fund development and implementation. Taking small intentional steps is a strength that has served us well – one that will continue to guide us into the future.

Artist’s conception of a future gallery at the MDCC. Image courtesy of Reich+Petch Design International.

Artist’s conception of a future gallery at the MDCC. Image courtesy of Reich+Petch Design International.

The most recent planning process we have completed is the Functional Program for the MDCC. This document provides a statement of functional, and technical requirements for each of the spaces at the MDCC as well as the related site development.

In a 2013 visit, Catherine Blewett (then the Deputy Minister of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs; now the Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs), left, and Laura Lee Langley (then the Deputy Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage; now the Commissioner, Public Service Commission), right, reaffirmed their appreciation and understanding of future requirements of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia to make the Cultural Centre a reality.

In a 2013 visit, Catherine Blewett (then the Deputy Minister of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs…

MDCC has had excellent support from the Province and the Federal governments for the development of the Centre over the last ten years. We are currently negotiating a final decision on operating funds for the future Centre. Capital funding will be determined based on the final scale of operations. Conversations are underway to determine the level of these commitments.

MDCC staff have shared the vision and dream of the future Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre through many venues and variety of audiences. The time has come for the vision to become a reality.

MDCC staff have shared the vision and dream of the future Mi’kmawey…

We are also planning a fundraising campaign that will involve seeking support from individuals, corporations, foundations and other interested organizations, not only here in Atlantic Canada, but across the country and from international parties.

One response to “Next Steps”

  1. Angela Stefanik says:

    My great grand mother was an island Mi’kmaq. Married at 12, had 23 children. At the time of her passing, she was great mother to 104 fifth generation grandchildren (i am third gen) and 5 sixth generation. She never told me about being native and marrying a fisherman from town. Im not sure if that was even considered. She was born in 1889. I am a part of this Huge family, but there was never much taught to us about being Mi’kmaq. I know that Christianity, and most other organized religions have always rang so false to me. I am so grateful for finding this site. I am discovering my heritage for the first time. My mother passed last year and i am now the Matriarch for my little branch of this family. I need to lead my child towards something more than what I had access to. I am really looking forward to reading and learning everything that you offer!

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