The Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center

Old Postcard showing Mi'kmaq People in the Bear River Area.

The Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center was started to interpret the heritage and culture of the Mi'kmaq of the Bear River area.

Here visitors may learn about these spiritual people and learn about the rich Mi'kmaq heritage through colourful exhibits, songs, plays and stories.

This is a very interactive center where you do not just look, you can participate in many activities to. There is always something going on here.

Long before the French arrived to this area in the 1600's the Mi'kmaq people lived here on the land they call L'sitkuk which covered Digby and Annapolis Counties. They existed in harmony with the land and sea, respecting them and only taking what they needed. They rode their sea-going birch bark canoes in the Bay of Fundy. They fished the bay and the lakes and streams, hunted in the woods and camped on the land.

When the French arrived to the area the Mi’kmaq taught them how to hunt and fish here and how to survive the harsh winters of Nova Scotia. They became guides; a tradition which has endured into the twenty-first century and is unique to this area of Nova Scotia.

Bear River First Nations Reserve was established in 1820 as one of thirteen such communities in Nova Scotia. It is a member of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq which is a Tribal Council that provides advisory services and programs to member-communities.

The Band Office is located at 130 Reservation Road, just down the road from the Heritage and Cultural Centre. There are currently under 100 Mi'kmaq living on the reserve now but there are another 200 members that live elsewhere off Reserve.

It all started in the late 1990's when the community elementary school children asked for a gymnasium. Later this became a community recreation centre.

But the people of the Bear River first Nations had a vision, a dream that one day this centre could be a place where their children could learn about and explore their heritage and culture. But why stop there, it could be a place for them to share their culture with others and a way which they could reach out to other communities.

Through the hard work and dedication of the staff, volunteers and community their dream has come true. The Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center acts as a cultural and visitor centre and a venue for numerous community events and gatherings. It is a healing place and a place of great pride for the people of the Bear River First Nation.

In 2004 they were the winner of the Tourism Industry of Nova Scotia's Crystal Award of Excellence for Tourism Innovator.

There is always something going on at the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center. There are lots to see, do, learn and experience here.

Their Heritage Gallery is a space dedicated to their former Chiefs and Elders of Bear River First Nation. Their portraits hang here for all to see and honour. You will also find historical arts and crafts on display here and artifacts that have been unearthed in the area, some dating back 2,500 to 4,000 years.

The Interpretive Exhibits tell the story of the Bear River First Nations’ people. Learn how they lived before the Europeans arrived, how their life changed with the Colonial period and how they have survived and thrived and enrich Nova Scotia's unique heritage.

The centre offers several Workshops and Demonstrations like basket making, the making of dream catchers and canoes and wigwams. Take part in these workshops or attend the demonstrations to learn about these proud and creative people.

Since the beginning Stories, Plays and Music have played a big part in the heritage of the Mi'kmaq people. It was their communication, the way they remembered their heritage and culture. The centre offers a main stage where you may see and hear these stories, plays and music. They also offer a Story Corner set up like a wigwam where children may enter and hear the tales and legends.

The Gift Shop offers a wide range of traditional Mi'kmaq arts and crafts made by local people for sale.

Located just outside the centre is a re-creation of an authentic Mi'kmaq Encampment. See how these people lived for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans.

One thing that the Mi'kmaq have been noted for is their Birch Bark Canoes but this was almost a lost tradition. The last one to be made was made by Malti Pictou, a well known Mi’kmaq guide, seven generations ago. Now his seventh generation descendant Cory Ryan and friend Todd Labrador has made an authentic fourteen foot birch bark Mi'kmaq canoe.

Also located at the Heritage & Cultural Centre is the Medicine Trail. A guide will take you through this relaxing trail and point out to you many local plants that play a big role in the life of the Mi'kmaq people. You may also pick up a brochure for the trail at the Centre.

The Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center is open seven days a week from May 15 until October 15 and by appointment at other times.

There is a small entrance fee charged and participation in the workshops and demonstrations is extra.

The centre is located on the hill behind Bear River. To get there from Highway 101 take exit 24 and follow the river about 5 km into the village of Bear River. At the stop sign proceed across the road, past the Fire Hall and go for about 1 1/2 km pass the power dam and continue up a long hill. As you go up the hill the road will split, take the left road and continue up the hill where you will enter the reserve. The Centre is the third large building on the right with the wigwam-shaped entrance.

For more information about the Centre visit the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center website.

Leave The Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Center and return to see other Annapolis Valley Museums