Millbrook First Nation builds a strong economy and a rich cultural legacy
News release
Mi’kmaq-owned organizations grow operations and seize new tourism opportunities.
June 23, 2023 · Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada is home to diverse Indigenous communities who play a pivotal role in contributing to both the economy and the culture of the Atlantic provinces.
In Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada is investing to help foster local business opportunities, preserve traditional knowledge, and share Mi’kmaq culture and history with visitors from around the world.
Expanding business and tourism opportunities
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced support for two organizations in Milbrook First Nation.
A repayable investment of $560,000 to Milbrook Fisheries will help the business purchase a live lobster holding facility, including tanks, water treatment equipment and emergency power equipment. The facility will allow Millbrook Fisheries to store live lobster, keeping them fresh for sale throughout the year. This will help the organization diversify its sales opportunities and become more competitive. The project is also expected to create several new jobs.
A non-repayable investment of $166,282 to the Milbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre will help modernize and expand the Centre’s offerings. The Centre will purchase and install new state-of-the-art display cases, some of which offer audio capabilities in multiple languages. Two new wireless projectors and projection screens will be installed for presentations and workshops.
A deep freezer will be purchased for traditional cooking demonstrations. LED lighting, foldable workshop tables and an intercom will also make the Centre more comfortable and accessible.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates The Government of Canada’s committment to fostering collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities, creating new business and job opportunities and strengthening cultural preservation efforts, while advancing reconciliation.
Quotes
“Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada have expertise and insights that help build some of the region’s most successful businesses. Projects such as these, which support Indigenous culture and entrepreneurs, are a vital part of our journey toward reconciliation, and a prosperous and inclusive future for all.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“Wela’lin (thank you) for supporting this important initiative. Diversification into land-based live-lobster holding, buying, and exporting will assist Millbrook First Nation to transition and integrate into all aspects of the seafood value chain. It will also contribute to both food security and food sovereignty of the Millbrook First Nation Community, who continue as Mi’kmaw to harvest traditional species, from traditional resources.”
- Jonathan Lowe, Director, MiIlbrook First Nation Fisheries Department
“Wela’lioq (thank you to all involved). With the help that we've received, we can modernize our display cabinets and have additional ones made for a collection that we are soon having displayed, and it allowed us to have environmentally friendly lighting. New amenities such as a projector, screen, and freezer will improve our ability to host workshops and other events. Additionally, we are going to improve our curb appeal for guests with new landscaping.”
- Heather Stevens, Manager, Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre
Quick facts
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Millbrook First Nation is one of 13 First Nations located within Nova Scotia. It includes the communities of Millbrook, Beaver Dam, Cole Harbour, Tufts Cove and Sheet Harbour. The Millbrook Fisheries live lobster holding facility will be in Sheet Harbour.
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Since 2015, The Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre has been actively working to highlight the rich culture and history of Mi'kmaq people through creative programming for all ages. The Centre is also focused on growing and promoting indigenous tourism opportunities.
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Earlier this year, the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre successfully repatriated Mi’kmaw regalia that had been donated to an Australian museum more than 100 years ago. The Centre had been working to bring the embroidered jacket, moccasins, pouch, and porcupine quill pipe back to Canada since 2013. They are now displayed at the Centre.
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Since 2018, ACOA Nova Scotia has supported 90 projects initiated by Indigenous communities, Indigenous-owned businesses, or non-profit organizations which support Indigenous groups.
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June 21st was National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.
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Funding for these projects is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, and through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Jonathan Lowe
Director
MiIlbrook First Nation Fisheries Department
902-897-0435
JLowe@MFNFisheries.ca
Heather Stevens
Manager
Millbrook Culture and Heritage Centre
902-843-3493
Heather@MillbrookHeritageCentre.ca
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