An Indigenous ecotourism project near Digby, NS, received $250,000 in federal funding this week.

The project will create a third gathering place along a traditional Mi’kmaw route that will enable a multi-day canoe trip.

The Bear River First Nation began planning the restoration of the Kejimkujik National Park trail over a decade ago, and the project had previously brought the community together.

The funds announced on Friday are earmarked for an off-grid lodge and geodome at Lake Franklin. Two lodges have already been built along the route to Kejimkujik.

“We wanted to develop something that would allow us to share our story with everyone else in the world,” said Carol Ann Potter, tribal councilor and project leader.

Seven paddles

The initiative is called Seven Paddles, named after the sacred teachings of love, respect, humility, honesty, truth, wisdom and courage. Potter said her ancestors paddled the route to Kejimkujik.

She said the new building will be a place for learning and building relationships.

“This project gives us the opportunity to celebrate the gift each individual brings to our community and to each other,” Potter said. “And the Lodge provides us with a base to do that.”

In a press release, Gudie Hutchings, the federal minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, said the funding will help provide visitors with “an unforgettable adventure that combines physical activity with cultural exchange in the great outdoors.”

Growth of the sector

Robert Bernard, executive director of the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, said the sector is poised for growth but could change its outlook.

“It’s about the story. It’s about the language. It’s about the food. It’s about the real story,” he said on the CBC broadcast. Maritime lunch in August.

Potter hopes the project will create meaningful jobs. She said it will help keep traditional knowledge alive.

“I’m following in the footsteps of my people,” she said. “I just hope we do right by them.”