Indigenous ecotourism project retraces traditional canoe routes between Bear River and Kejimkujik

News release

Canoe on the water; a lake visible through trees; a lake at sunset.

Bear River First Nation off-grid lodge and geodome to offer authentic Indigenous tourism experience

August 23, 2024 · Bear River First Nation · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Today’s travelers are looking for authentic, meaningful experiences that connect them to land and culture, while promoting personal growth and learning. Indigenous tourism provides these opportunities while helping to keep cultures alive and growing economies.

Premium, eco-friendly adventure in nature

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA announced a non-repayable contribution of $250,000 to the Bear River First Nation to support the construction of an off-grid lodge and geodome on Lake Franklin.

This investment enables Bear River First Nation to complete its third and final lodge in a series of sites allowing multi-day canoe travel between Bear River and Kejimkujik National Park. The project, which includes the construction of a five-bedroom lodge and twenty-foot geodome, is part of the Seven Paddles initiative, an ecotourism project to re-establish traditional Mi’kmaq canoe routes in Nova Scotia.

Today’s announcement will help re-establish a traditional Mi’kmaq canoe route and provide for sustainable economic development by investing in tourism assets, embracing recreation and the great outdoors, and partnering to grow Indigenous tourism.

Quotes

“Nova Scotia offers some of the most incredible tourism experiences in the world. Authentic, community-based activities valued by explorers, adventurers and new storytellers everywhere. This investment will help Bear River First Nation offer visitors an unforgettable adventure that combines physical activity with cultural exchange in the great outdoors.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“This is a monumental moment for Bear River First Nation, and Seven Paddles. Seven Paddles teaches us to always try and be the best version of ourselves. The lodge will give us a base to share stories, hand down traditional knowledge, and to build meaningful relationships with one another. Elder Frank Meuse once said he wants to be a good ancestor. That has stayed with me. I believe we all want to be good ancestors. My Grandmother, Elder Agnes Potter, named this project Seven Paddles. I am happy she is still here to see it happen. I stand back on the land, paddle the waters and I am thankful for Mother Earth, our people and ACOA. Thank you for being part of this journey; thank you for being a living memory in the next chapter.”
Councillor Carol Ann Potter, Project Lead, Bear River First Nation 

Quick facts

  • Located in Digby County, Nova Scotia, the Bear River First Nation covers 3.34 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest First Nations in Nova Scotia.

  • Bear River First Nation has developed the Seven Paddles brand focusing on the Seven Sacred Teachings of love, respect, humility, honesty, truth, wisdom and courage. Seven Paddles was started to re-establish traditional Mi'kmaq canoe routes for ecotourism.

  • Two sites have already been developed under this brand - Bubba Sap Lodge and WayBack Lodge. This project includes the third and final site under the brand, positioning Bear River First Nation for future growth.

  • Kejimkujik National Park, located in Southwest Nova Scotia, is home to Mi’kmaw petroglyphs, traditional encampment areas, and canoe routes dating back thousands of years.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6965
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Carol Ann Potter
Project Lead
Bear River First Nation
902-467-3802

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