Federal Government and Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre Announce $20 Million Investment for New Net-Zero Cultural Hub
On October 31, 2025, a joint investment of $20 million was announced to construct a new net-zero cultural centre in Debert, Nova Scotia. The project, funded by the federal government and the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, aims to provide educational programming, healing spaces, and land-based learning experiences.
The federal government and the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre have announced a combined $20 million investment to build a new cultural centre dedicated to Mi’kmaw culture in Debert, Nova Scotia. The announcement was made on October 31, 2025, by Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester, and Tim Bernard, Executive Director of the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.
The funding structure includes a $9 million contribution from the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, alongside a $10.2 million contribution from the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. The GICB program, which launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years, received an additional $500 million in Budget 2024 to support projects until 2029. At least 10% of GICB funding is allocated to Indigenous communities.
The new facility will be located across from the Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail and is designed to meet net-zero carbon standards. It will incorporate climate-resilient features such as solar orientation and natural shading. The centre is expected to attract more than 67,000 visitors annually.
Beyond tourism, the centre aims to serve as a vital resource for the community. It will offer educational programming, land-based learning experiences, and specific healing spaces for survivors and descendants. The project also seeks to preserve and share Mi’kmaw language, stories, and knowledge, reflecting the more than 11,000 years of Mi’kmaq presence in the area. Additionally, the initiative is expected to strengthen local economies and create well-paying jobs.