'Our cultures are intertwined': Cultural centre proposed

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The Chaleur region may soon have a new cultural and environmental focused tourist destination.

Pabineau First Nation, in collaboration with Tourism Chaleur, is aiming to open a First Nation Acadian Cultural Centre as an addition to a salmon hatchery and salmon enhancement interpretation centre that was already planned for the community.

After being approached by Tourism Chaleur about the possibility of a First Nations interpretation centre as part of the project, the First Nation proposed an Acadian aspect also be included at the same location.

“We were analyzing our area and thinking about tourism and what kind of experiences that we can actually offer tourists,” said Shirley de Silva, Economic Development and Tourism Director for the Chaleur Regional Service Commission. “Of course, we have the great outdoors, the beaches and everything that goes with that aspect of things. What we don’t have is anything that is concrete infrastructure that anybody can stop at and visit.”

Chief Terry Richardson said he saw the project as an opportunity to focus on the entire region’s cultures as well as the environmental aspect of the salmon.

“This to me shows reconciliation. It shows working together. It shows how both our cultures are intertwined, and it’s making another great destination in Northern New Brunswick for people to come and visit,” Richardson said.

This to me shows reconciliation

Chief Terry Richardson

The centre would help people learn about the tie between First Nation and Acadian culture in New Brunswick, followed by an opportunity to go into the hatchery and to learn more about salmon, which Richardson said are close to becoming an endangered species.

“We’ve got to do whatever we can to make sure salmon are here for the next seven generations,” he said.

Richardson said the current salmon enhancement building will be torn down to make way for the new project near the salmon counting fence on the Nepisiguit River.

A pre-feasability study was conducted which determined there is enough information and interest to pursue the project. Richardson said Pabineau is in the financial planning stage to ensure the project is viable.

“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got the economics in place,” he said.

If the project is financially viable, Richardson said the community hopes to break ground by next year.