Rising costs push back opening of Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre by another year

The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, a museum in northern Nova Scotia that will showcase Mi’kmaw artifacts, is facing delays in its opening due to escalating costs and design changes. Originally budgeted at $38 million, the project’s cost has now ballooned to $55 million, prompting the need to streamline the design and cut back on certain features to bring the total cost down to around $48 million. An additional $12 million will need to be raised to cover the increased expenses.

As a result of the budget constraints, the museum’s opening date has been pushed back from 2025 to 2027, with a projected completion date of spring 2028 and a public opening scheduled for fall of the same year. Despite the setbacks, more than 500 Mi’kmaw artifacts are ready to be displayed, with many currently housed at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington. These artifacts range from quilts, baskets, garments, to even two complete wigwams.

The collaboration between Mi’kmawey Debert and the National Museum of the American Indian dates back to the late 1990s, with Mi’kmaw artisans regularly visiting the museum to maintain the collection. Jocelyn Marshall, a beader from Membertou First Nation, expressed her pride and nostalgia at seeing these artifacts being brought back home. She and fellow beader Nik Phillips have worked on repairing over 200 pieces, some of which are over a century old.

Caitlin Mahony, conservator at the National Museum of the American Indian, revealed that most of the artifacts were donated from the collections of anthropologists Frederick Johnson and Wilson Wallis. While there are purchase records for some items, the circumstances surrounding these acquisitions remain unknown. The collaboration between the two museums has not only allowed for the preservation and repair of these precious artifacts but also sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaw people.

The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre aims to be a hub for showcasing Mi’kmaw history and culture, providing visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the indigenous heritage of Nova Scotia. Despite the challenges and delays, the museum remains committed to its mission of preserving and celebrating the legacy of the Mi’kmaw people for generations to come.