Nature Trust New Brunswick gives land near Blackville to Mi’gmaq land trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 4, 2024

Nature Trust New Brunswick gives land near Blackville to Mi’gmaq land trust

The Nature Trust New Brunswick (NTNB) has generously donated 39 hectare (97 acres) of land to the Mi’gmaq land trust, Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu (KMWWN). The property is located in the Gespe’geweq district of northern New Brunswick near Blackville and the communities of Natoaganeg and Metepenagiag.

In the true spirit of reconciliation, NTNB donated the property so it can be protected by KMWWN for the benefit of the next seven generations of trees, plants, animals and people. The forested property includes about 37 acres of protected wetland and is only 450 meters away from the shore of the Southwest Miramichi River. This donation will provide an accessible conservation area for the Mi’gmaq to connect with the land and exercise their rights.

“We would like to thank the Nature Trust of New Brunswick for this generous donation. This is such an important area, and we look forward to being able to see this land used by our people for the years to come,” said Chief George Ginnish of Natoaganeg.

To honour the donation of this property local community members, NTNB staff, and volunteers gathered for a cleanup of the property to restore its natural beauty. The event had a strong turnout from the Mi’gmaq community and the Nature Trust team. Contractors efficiently removed large debris, while volunteers and community members worked together to hand-pick smaller items left behind.

“Reconciliation through conservation begins with reconnecting to the land. When we care for the earth, we honor our past and create space for healing and understanding here in New Brunswick. ” said Tracy Anne Cloud of Mi’gmawe’ T’plutaqann Inc.

This cleanup marks the first step in ensuring the property is cared for and protected in alignment with Mi’gmaq stewardship principles and values, preserving its ecological and cultural significance for future generations.

As part of the federal government’s Pathway to Target 1 Challenge program, First Nations in New Brunswick have support to establish a network of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). IPCAs are indigenous-led conservation initiatives over lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.

About Nature Trust of New Brunswick

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization which focuses on conserving and stewarding private land and engaging New Brunswickers on the importance of protecting our province’s unique natural heritage and biodiversity. Since 1987, we have conserved over 13,000 acres (5,260 hectares) of ecologically significant land in more than 83 beautiful and diverse nature preserves throughout the province.

About Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu KMWWN

Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu (KMWWN) translates to ‘teaching others to care for our territory’. It was established in 2020 and now protects over 1700 hectares of sacred land in New Brunswick. The land trust’s purpose is to conserve land in accordance with Mi’gmaq values, maintain the land's ecological integrity, conserve biodiversity, and promote Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language.

Media Inquiries:

Raven Boyer, ravenboyer@migmawel.org