Bear River First Nation facts for kids
The Bear River First Nation is a community of Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia, Canada. In their own language, Mi'kmaq, they call themselves L'sɨtkuk. This community is a First Nation band government. It is located in both Annapolis County and Digby County.
As of 2023, about 118 people live on their reserve lands. Another 263 Mi'kmaq members live off-reserve. This makes their total population around 382 people.
The Bear River First Nation is right next to the village of Bear River, Nova Scotia. The community has a church called Saint Anne's, which was finished in 1836. There is also a school for toddlers and preschoolers. Children at the school learn the Mi'kmaq language. A health centre was also built in 1998 to help the community stay healthy.
History of Bear River First Nation
People have lived in the Bear River area for a very long time. Experts believe the community has been there for 2,000 to 4,000 years. This land is part of Kespukwitk, an ancient district of the Mi'kmaq nation.
The ancestors of the Bear River people welcomed early European explorers. These included Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons and Samuel de Champlain. They settled nearby at Port-Royal in 1605. The leader, or sakmow, at that time was Henri Membertou. He became friends with the French settlers. The area around Port-Royal was where Membertou's people often spent their summers.
The community was well-known for building canoes. They used these canoes for fishing and hunting porpoise in the Annapolis Basin and Bay of Fundy. In the early 1900s, oil from porpoises was even sold to be used as a machine lubricant.
Culture and Tourism
Each summer, the Bear River First Nation Heritage & Cultural Centre opens its doors. It offers a chance to learn about Mi'kmaq life and traditions. Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops to make traditional crafts. This is a great way to experience their rich culture.
Community Lands
The Bear River First Nation has three main land areas, also called reserves. The largest of these is where most people live.
- Bear River 6: This is the largest area. It is about 17.6 kilometers southeast of Digby. Most of the community members live here.
- Bear River 6A: This area is smaller. It is about 9.6 kilometers southeast of Annapolis Royal.
- Bear River 6B: This is another smaller area. It is about 6.4 kilometers southeast of Annapolis Royal.
Notable People
- shalan joudry – a talented poet and playwright.
