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Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc.

2007 North American Ecotourism Conference Madison, Wisconsin September 27, 2007

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Objectives of Presentation • To share one community’s vision for preservation,

protection and presentation of Mikmaq culture, history and heritage • To describe Metepenagiag’s community approach to cultural tourism • To review the Developmental Process and the role of Leadership and Community Support & Cultural Guidelines and Authenticity Practices

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Articulated Vision • To increase understanding of the depth of Mi‘kmaq

heritage of national historical significance and to foster sustainable tourism development at Metepenagiag

• To foster a working-level partnership between a First Nations Government and other Federal and Provincial Departments and Agencies and local, regional and national tourism associations.

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Importance of Project • Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation has two Nationally

Significant Historic Sites - Augustine Mound (1975) and Oxbow (1982) about 500m apart

• Metepenagiag is the Village of Thirty Centuries - over 3000 years of continuous settlement ancestral to the present day community • This project represents the best opportunity to interpret First Nation’s history in Eastern Canada • Major Cultural/tourism icon with tremendous opportunity for businesses in the province of NB.

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Project Impact • Internationally: Embraces an all encompassing definition of Canadianism

• Nationally: Recognizes a truly Canadian cultural mosaic • Regionally: The first development of significant Native cultural heritage sites in the Maritimes (East of Quebec) • Locally: First major Class A Visitor Attraction in the Miramichi Region of Northeastern New Brunswick.

• Community: Strengthening First Nation governance through sustainable economics

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Description of Project • Establishment of a National Historic Park to present the “story” of the Mi’kmaq culture at Metepenagiag to the world

• To interpret the Oxbow and Augustine Mound Sites in the context of Mi’kmaq culture, acknowledging Metepenagiag as truly an “Ancient place” in New Brunswick and Canada • To develop and sustain the physical facilities for the interpretation through the years to come

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Purpose of Project • To give the visitor face to face contact with Mi’kmaq people in a Mi’kmaq context, providing a valuable educational experience and an unforgettable cultural experience

• To work in partnership based on principles of mutual respect, recognition, responsibility and sharing • To foster cultural tourism as a means of community socioeconomic development and regional economic prosperity

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Purpose of Project • Repatriation of Artifacts, Archives and other items of significance to the community

• To protect the environmental integrity of the natural land

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Community Description • The Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation have approximately 537 members of which 396 live on reserve

• The main reserve of Red Bank is 22km west of the City of Miramichi • There are presently less than 10 FN tourism related businesses supporting a community vision of cultural tourism. Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Heritage Park Inc. will be the centerpiece with a grand opening of summer of 2007

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Development Process • Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation establishes their sole

ownership over the sites and ensures that partners respect this view

• In 1975, the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada declared the Augustine Mound to be a National Historic Site and the Oxbow Site is declared in 1982 • Between 1988-1990 Red Bank seeks cooperation with the province to create a development concept for the site in order to gain local and regional support

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Development Process (Highlights) • In 1994, Red Bank formed a relationship with

Wanuskewin Heritage Park to learn from their experiences.

• 1997, Red Bank, Parks Canada, the province of NB and ACOA fund a feasibility study for the Heritage Park • Funding announcement for capital construction and operating expenses by ACOA, DIAND, DCH, RDC and PC in August 2005 • The Metepenagiag Heritage Park opens 2007

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Leadership and Community Support • In 1995, a public meeting is held to gain community endorsement for the proposed Heritage Park

• Emphasis and effort in negotiating support: Letters of support were solicited and received from the PNB, the Canadian Heritage Minister, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and the nearby City of Miramichi • In 1998, a heritage impact assessment study is completed • In 2000, nine Heritage Interpreters are nationally certified • In 2003, Metepenagiag Heritage Park is incorporated by MMN

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Leadership and Community Support • Numerous supportive programming continues such as

flora and fauna inventory, traditional skills training, and development of HR and management plans, etc.

•11,000 – 25,000 visitors are expected annually

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Cultural Guidelines and Authenticity Practices • A steering committee and Board of Directors guidesd development which include an Elder and Youth representative

• Visitors do not have access to either National Historic Site • Province of New Brunswick developed a Cultural Policy with specific focus on preserving Mi’kmaq heritage • In 2003, three working committee’s were established to guide the development of the park • Social Impacts and Fundraising • Heritage Presentation • Management (during capital construction)

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Overall Project Budget • Capital costs of 7.2M for construction and interpretive media

• Average Annual Operating costs of 400K met through revenue sources: entrance fees, concessions, special events, and outside sources (First Nation, Provincial and Federal government) Parks Canada commitment.

• Over 100 PYs during construction; 45 PYs operations; 3.3M of additional economic activity for province; 1$ invested results in over $7 into the regional and provincial economy

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Projected Visitation Levels FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Canada’s Growing Aboriginal tourism product unique product demand internationally and domestically - ATC • Primary Markets: City of Miramichi and Kouchibouguac National Park and Quebec, Ontario and International markets (European) • 11,000 - 25,000 visitors annually • MHPI: Marketing Strategy – quality, availability and authenticity • Other: MRTA & Provincial Tourism Strategy, RATA, ATC, Parks Canada, First Nations

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Composition of Board of Directors (max 12) and Executive: 9 Elder

9 Youth 9 Chair of Community Consultative Committee 9 Representative of Chief and Council 9 City of Miramichi Mi’kmaq Artisan or Craftsman 9 Public Citizen University DIAND (ex-officio) ACOA (ex-officio) Parks Canada (ex-officio) Province of NB (ex-officio)

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Management Plan that sets out long term direction for the protection, management and appropriate use of the area to safeguard its cultural, spiritual and ecological values flowing from our CIS. Main Components: Protecting Cultural Heritage Sustaining the cultural continuity of Metepenagiag Protecting Natural Heritage Presenting Natural and Cultural Heritage Managing Visitor Use Providing Appropriate Tourism Opportunities Demonstrating Environmental Responsibility Managing Info for Integrated Decision making

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Partners: Federal:

Department of Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Provincial:

Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat Training and Employment Development Regional Development Corporation Tourism and Parks Culture and Sports Secretariat

Other:

Canadian Museum of Civilization University of New Brunswick Neighboring First Nations and Aboriginal Organizations City of Miramichi MRTA

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Lessons Learned • Leadership: Chief and Council’s support helps foster project champions

• Principles of Vision: When you know what to share and what not to share, it is easier to plan and make decisions; to make policy and ensure authenticity • Communication with and involvement of as many community members as possible to build capacity for sustainability (140 during construction, over 250 photo submissions for special component)

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Challenges • Isolated location of icon, signage and upgrade of

highways leading to Metepenagiag required

• French Interpretation to serve 45% of clientele • Marketing of Grand Opening and Long term marketing plan with mentee from community • Product Development: 6 identified pilot businesses will require support ie. Tourism project officer for Miramichi to be extended (5 hr stay concept) • Operational and maintenance expenses • Community support

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Opportunities • NB Cultural tours pkging with other attractions (ie.

Village Acadian, Kings Landing with passport concept) and packaging with other First Nation attractions • Icon attraction and demand generator for Northeastern NB, unique new product for New Brunswick (province) • Programming upgrades with cultural research for repeat local market Metepenagiag Outdoor Adventure Lodge to increase accommodations to meet conference centre and park needs • Maximize revenue generation from Mi’kmaq boutique

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc.

“For over three decades, we have demonstrated the will to preserve, protect and present the Mi’kmaq culture at Metepenagiag for all Canadians…”

- The late Chief Michael Augustine

Metepenagiag Heritage Park Inc. Contact Information Pam Ward, Executive Director 2156 Mic Mac Road P.O. Box 302 Red Bank, New Brunswick E9E 2P2 Email: pamward@nbnet.nb.ca Website: www.metepenagiagpark.com Toll free number: 1 888 380 3555 Work: (506) 836-6146 Cell: (506) 623-8954 Fax: (506) 836-6186

Welalieg!