Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site HERITAGE

Kejimkujik Celebrates Mi’kmaw Culture

While you will often here the locals refer to it as Keji – the full name of this remarkable place is Kejimkujik – derived from the Mi’kmaw word Kejimkuji’jk meaning little fairies. The official title, however, is Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and that dual status in one only Keji can claim among all of Canada’s National Parks, having received the historical designation back in 1995. Being named a National Historic Site is a testament to its rich heritage that includes petroglyphs, habitation and fishing sites, travel routes, hunting territories and burials too. Indeed Kejimkujik Celebrates Mi’kmaw Culture throughout every inch of its incredible landscape.

While Kejimkujik National Park has welcoming visitors for over half a century – the Mi’kmaw first nations first called it home some 4000 years ago. There’s no denying the power of its natural beauty – just a stroll through the forest trails or a paddle on its shining waters and you’ll feel all that history. There are also a wonderful assortment of park events and guided experiences designed around the land and the legends so that you can learn about it’s incredible heritage – with something for all ages to enjoy.

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Drop-in at The Birk Bark Canoe Shop located at the south end of Merrymakedge Beach and you’ll find master Mi’kmaw craftsman Todd Labrador. The canoe is an iconic symbol of the Mi’kmaw cultural landscape and each season guests are invited to witness Todd’s tremendous skills as he builds a birch bark canoe. Demonstrations run Thursday to Sunday from late June to early September when upon completion – Kejimkujik host’s the Birch Bark Canoe Launch. Todd along with friends, family, park guests and the Keji team gather to celebrate the wonderful occasion. For more on the demonstrations click here this year’s launch click here.

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In addition to appreciating the skills it takes to make one – guests are inivited to try their hand at paddling with Big Canoe – Big Sky (Dark-sky guided paddle) and Big Canoe – Big Lake (Guided paddle). For more on those experiences click here.

Kejimkujik is truly the keeper of the stories and memories of the Mi’kmaq people. While you’re there be sure to take a Guided Experience of the Petroglyphs. With the largest collection in eastern North America – the over 500 stone carved images found throughout Kejimkujik – share the history of the Mi’kmaw ancestors. For details on those guided tours including dates and times click here.

Kejimkujik Celebrates Mi’kmaw Culture

Cultivate your connection with the teachings of nature while a Kejimkujik cultural interpreter shares their unique skills and knowledge of this land during the Wejisqalia’ti’k Experience – which translates into “we grew up from the earth.” This experience is free with admission to the park and suitable for all ages. For more information click here.

To ensure a continued appreciation for their people and culture – every July Kejimkujik invites Mi’kmaw kids between 9 and 16 years of age to attend their Elapultimk Youth Archaeology Camp. Immersed in the Indigenous landscape they’ll swim, canoe, search for artifacts, visit the petroglyphs and so much more. For more info on that camp click here.

Kejimkujik Celebrates Mi’kmaw Culture

You can even discover the Kespukwitk Conservation Corridor located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq while your in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. The corridor that stretches from the Bay of Fundy to the Atlantic Ocean includes Kejimkujik National Park Seaside as well as the Bear River and Mersey watersheds for more on that experience, for maps and more click here.

Kejimkujik also welcomes groups to enjoy their Guided Mi’kmaw Culture Program. Visit a wigwam and traditional encampment and learn about present day Mi’kmaw culture in this very special place. For more details on this opportunity click here.

Kejimkujik Celebrates Mi’kmaw Culture

For a complete look at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site Guided Experiences click here.

For a look at their activities and events calendar click here.

For details on equipment rentals, perfect picnics and more we invite you to read our feature “All That Nature and MORE!”

For more for everything else visit their official site here.

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