Metepenagiag Heritage Park

Metepenagiag Heritage Park is entering its 14th year of operations. The park holds Mi’kmaq artifacts dating back 3000 years from an ancient burial site now named the Augustine Mound as well as the Oxbow, a village site.

In the 1970’s these two historic sites were rediscovered because of Elder Joe Augustine. Archeologists uncovered a variety of objects proving Mi’Kmaq people has populated the area for time immemorial. High school students had the opportunity to help unearth these artifacts. In 1984, Pam Ward was one of those students.

“I’m 17 years old in the middle of July, I’m 10 feet into the ground in this great big archeological pit and I’m actually holding artifacts and remnants of my ancestor’s life… to hold it in my hands was to hold my culture and my identity in my hands,” said Ward.

Wards involvement in the project continued after university, from 1997 to 2008. She lead as Director of Community and Economic Development, later as Project Manager of Development, and finally Executive Director.

The vision for the park was guided by the three P’s” Preserve, Protect, and Present. It was important during the planning process that Mi’Kmaq people would present and educate others about their heritage, while protecting their history and preserving the artifacts and land.

It was built in the shape of a village, a community with a river running through. The pebbled trim represents the river, and are the same rocks found at the Oxbow. The entrance doors lead visitors through the exhibit in chronological order. The exit was designed to have natural light from the windows “guiding you through your tour and understanding of Mi’Kmaq heritage and community,” said Ward. It ends at the Pow Wow grounds with a view of the Little Southwest River.

“As a young girl for me to be involved in the recovery of these beautiful artifacts, arrowheads and other aspects of our of our culture, I was so inspired. All those feelings of not quite knowing who I was and not quite being proud to be a Mi’Kmaq girl started to vanish,” said Ward.

The park offers a range of experiences. There are guided or unguided tours throughout the heritage park. Artifacts are on display, there is a movie experience and guided trails to the river, ending with a Mi’kmaq language exercise. Visitors can book “Ookdotaan”- A Taste of Metepenagiag consisting of a food and storytelling experience, or a Tipi Retreat, camping in Metepenagiag’s interpretation of Mi’kmaq culture.

Metepenagiag Heritage park is one of the few trilingual tourist destinations in Canada, offering Mi’Kmaq, French and English. It offers tourists and locals alike to learn about the history of New Brunswick before it became New Brunswick. This history is often absent from the history books.

“I never really had a chance to be really proud of who I was. It’s starting to change today for our kids. Our kids are exposed to a lot of different things, there’s a lot more interaction, and education,” said Ward, “I look forward to bringing my granddaughter to the park for her first visit.”