You are here

Home » New Management Plan For Kejimkujik Embraces Mi'kmaw Concepts

New Management Plan For Kejimkujik Embraces Mi'kmaw Concepts

Share
By NPT Staff - January 17th, 2023
A Mi'kmaq birch bark canoe can be found in the visitor center at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia.

A Mi'kmaq birch bark canoe can be found in the visitor center at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia/Jennifer Bain

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site has a new management plan.

The plan strives to reflect Parks Canada’s strong desire to work cooperatively with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia to ensure a shared approach to the management of Kejimkujik. The significance of Kejimkujik to the Mi’kmaq as a cultural landscape underpins all management direction for the site.

The plan replaces one from 2010 and outlines the following four key strategies, reflecting four key Mi’kmaw worldview concepts:

• Kepmite’tmek (“We respect”) — Protect: We are actively protecting a treasured and changing landscape.

• Netukulu’ltiek (“We Share Stewardship”) — Conserve: We are collectively participating in the principle of sustainability through responsibility.

• Msit Ki’kamunaq (“All of Our Relations”) — Connect: We are connecting the people with the place.

• Toqi’maliaptme’k (“We Cooperate and Collaborate”) – Co-create: Together, we are the ones who are achieving results through co-creation and co-management.

Parks Canada's Sophie Borcoman shows off an Ôasis pod at Kejimkujik that can sleep up to two adults and two kids.

Parks Canada's Sophie Borcoman shows off an Ôasis pod at Kejimkujik that can sleep up to two adults and two kids/Jennifer Bain

The plan lays out a vision for all elements of the management of Kejimkujik, with examples of actions ranging from climate change mitigation to collaborative archaeology, species at risk recovery, greening operations and strategic partnering. It envisions a future where all visitors have opportunities to develop personal connections to Kejimkujik and where visitors with diverse abilities, needs and social identities find welcoming and inclusive service at Kejimkujik.

The plan was based on input from the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, stakeholders, visitors, local communities, tourism operators and organizations, local and regional economic development and conservation organizations, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Canadian public.

Kejimkujik is located in the unceded traditional Mi’kmaw territory of Mi’kma’ki and it occurs over two distinct parcels of land: Kejimkujik Inland and Kejimkujik Seaside. The inland area is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by forests, including old-growth hemlocks, lakes and wetlands. The seaside portion, an hour’s drive away, is largely a self-guided destination for coastal adventure, with stunning views, sandy and cobble beaches, coastal wetlands and headlands, estuaries and lagoons

The park is within a priority place identified by Environment and Climate Change Canada for species at risk conservation under the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative, a recognized multi-stakeholder initiative focused on species at risk conservation across the broader landscape.

About $15 million ($11 million USD) was invested in Kejimkujik’s infrastructure between 2016 and 2021, including bridges, a new hiking and biking trail, maintenance of buildings and day-use areas. A significant project to upgrade washrooms and utilities at Jeremy’s Bay Campground occurred in 2020–2021, showcasing energy efficiency and fuel switching, accessibility and principles of universal inclusion in infrastructure renewal.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.