Government of Canada and Nova Scotia invest in new trails for the Mi'kmaway Debert Cultural Centre

DEBERT, NS, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- A series of three educational trails will be developed after an investment of more than $1 million from the federal and provincial governments.

This was announced by Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester, the Honourable Dave Ritcey, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River, and Tim Bernard, Executive Director of the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre at an event to celebrate the start of the centre's construction.

As part of the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, three trails are being developed to complement the visitor experience. Each trail will be suitable for visitors with a variety of abilities and will include seating for rest and reflection.

Quotes

"The federal government is proud to fund three trails which will enhance the learning experience of visitors to the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. We are also thrilled to see construction start on the centre, bringing us one step closer to having a dedicated space where survivors can heal and Mi'kmaq culture can be shared with visitors from across the country and around the world."

Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester

"The Province of Nova Scotia is proud to support the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre and their vision for a place for people to connect with Mi'kmaw heritage. Through its trails, galleries and gathering places, the centre will create space for learning, healing and reflection on a landscape that holds deep meaning for the Mi'kmaq. Once open, it will give all of us new opportunities to deepen our understanding of Mi'kmaw culture and the land it's rooted in."

The Honourable Dave Ritcey, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Truro–Bible Hill–Millbrook–Salmon River 

"Today we break ground on a home that Mi'kmaw Elders, Survivors and communities have worked toward for over twenty years. The trails carry the Centre's story beyond its walls, onto land that holds more than 11,000 years of Mi'kmaw history, inviting visitors to learn from the land itself. At the end of the Healing Trail, the healing circle and lodge will give Elders and Survivors a place to gather, reflect and heal together. We are grateful to the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia for standing with us."

Tim Bernard, Executive Director of the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $942,000 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and the Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $100,000.
• The ATF supports projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, sidewalks, bike lanes and trails to support affordable, greener, and healthier options for Canadians to access their communities by walking, cycling, and through the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more. 
• A minimum of 10% of ATF's funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
• The ATF supports the National Active Transportation Strategy, the country's first strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. It uses data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable and sustainable travel options.
• The federal government also launched the Active Transportation Online Hub. This webpage provides resources related to active transportation, such as data and research, policies, success stories on projects across Canada, and information on the federal government's active transportation investments.
• The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
• Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies. 
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement. 

Associated Links

Active Transportation Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/index-eng.html 

National Active Transportation Strategy
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html 

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html 

Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn 
Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Meredith Hand, Communications Advisor, Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, 902-233-9832, [email protected]; Tim Bernard, Executive Director, Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, 902-890-5417, [email protected]