Indigenous Ecotourism Project Retraces Traditional Nova Scotia Canoe Routes
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
This 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. 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.
