Paqꞌtnkek First Nation facts for kids

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation (pronounced buck-n-keg) is a Mi'kmaq community located in northeastern Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a self-governing group, also known as a First Nation band. Their main community is on the Paqtnkek-Niktuek 23 reserve.

As of December 2019, about 598 people were officially registered as members of the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. This community is part of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, which is a group of Mi'kmaq communities working together.

The name Paqtnkek means "by the bay" or "Above the water (but at a distance from the ocean)". For a long time, this area has been very important to the Mi'kmaq people, especially for fishing for eels and other types of fish.

The Bayside Travel Centre: A Community Business

In 1960, the community's land was split by the building of the Trans-Canada Highway. This made it hard to get to some parts of their land.

To help with this, the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation worked with the Canadian and Nova Scotia governments. In 2017, they agreed to build a new highway exit. This new exit opened in 2019.

The First Nation created a business called Bayside Development Corporation Limited in 2018. This company helps the community by managing businesses. One of their main projects is the Bayside Travel Centre.

The Bayside Travel Centre is located right off Nova Scotia Highway 104 at exit 36-B. It's a big stop for travelers and locals alike. It offers many services, including:

• Fuel for cars
• A convenience store
• Restaurants
• A store that sells alcoholic beverages (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation agency store)
• An entertainment centre
• A visitor information centre with displays about Mi'kmaq culture

The Bayside Travel Centre officially opened in October 2019. It helps the community by creating jobs and bringing in money.

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation Reserves

The Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation has three official reserves. These are special areas of land set aside for the First Nation.