“Christ Church, Dartmouth was honoured to host a visit from Tim Bernard, Executive Director, Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) at its service on Sunday, November 23. MDCC and specifically the return of Mi'kmaw belongings from the Smithsonian, was a focus of the Lenten Alongside Hope fundraising at Christ Church. In introducing his message, he brought the voices from the MDCC Elder Advisory Council in a short video. The elders voices reminded us that the land holds Mi'kmaw dreams and knowledge for thousands of years. For too long Mi'kmaw history was treated as though it had disappeared. Mi'kmawey Debert is about reclaiming that history and truth. MDCC is about return, re-connection and renewal. MDCC will offer a permanent space for Mi’kmaw cultural stewardship, a year-round public centre on ancestral lands, healing programs, language learning, and education for all ages and a gathering space for all Mi’kmaw Chiefs and Council. It is planned that the building will be open in the fall of 2028. In addition to Tim's message, a Survivor's Flag was accepted and blessed.” (Andrew Sherin, Christ Church Alongside Hope Parish Rep)
Photo Credits: Lft: Gillian Power, Tim Bernard, Andrew Sherin, Rev. Kyle Wagner, Leah Marshall.
From MDCC presentation at Christ Church Dartmouth, Nov 2025.
Tim Bernard described the project as “one step closer” to reality—a place of stories, healing, and community where Mi’kmaw people can share their knowledge and connection to the land. A dynamic and meaningful centre for Mi’kmaw people and for visitors from across Nova Scotia, Canada, and the world, this will be “a coming home place.” Visitor experiences will encompass archaeological sites, outdoor trails, and immersion in Mi’kmaw worldviews and perspectives of
the near and distant past.
“Alongside Hope [previously PWRDF] is supporting the three-year project “Home to Mi’kma’ki: Phases II and III” in partnership with MDCC valued at $50,000 per year ($150,000 in total). The project is being implemented from November 2024 to October 2026. The project is supporting community members associated with MDCC and staff to travel to the National Museum of the American Indian (NMIA), part of the Smithsonian Institute, to repair, restore and stabilize historic artefacts belonging to the Mi’kmaw People. These historic artefacts will be returned to Mi’kma’ki and be displayed in the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre when it opens for people to learn more about the culture and heritage of Mi’kmaw People.” (Jeanine Cudmore, Alongside Hope Program Coordinator)
By, Leah Marshall and Gillian Power