A Mi'kmaq birch bark canoe can be found in the visitor center at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia/Jennifer Bain

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site has a new management plan.

The plan strives to reflect Parks Canada’s strong desire to work cooperatively with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia to ensure a shared approach to the management of Kejimkujik. The significance of Kejimkujik to the Mi’kmaq as a cultural landscape underpins all management direction for the site.

The plan replaces one from 2010 and outlines the following four key strategies, reflecting four key Mi’kmaw worldview concepts:

• Kepmite’tmek (“We respect”) — Protect: We are actively protecting a treasured and changing landscape.

• Netukulu’ltiek (“We Share Stewardship”) — Conserve: We are collectively participating in the principle of sustainability through responsibility.

• Msit Ki’kamunaq (“All of Our Relations”) — Connect: We are connecting the people with the place.

• Toqi’maliaptme’k (“We Cooperate and Collaborate”) – Co-create: Together, we are the ones who are achieving results through co-creation and co-management.

Parks Canada's Sophie Borcoman shows off an Ôasis pod at Kejimkujik that can sleep up to two adults and two kids/Jennifer Bain

The plan lays out a vision for all elements of the management of Kejimkujik, with examples of actions ranging from climate change mitigation to collaborative archaeology, species at risk recovery, greening operations and strategic partnering. It envisions a future where all visitors have opportunities to develop personal connections to Kejimkujik and where visitors with diverse abilities, needs and social identities find welcoming and inclusive service at Kejimkujik.

The plan was based on input from the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, stakeholders, visitors, local communities, tourism operators and organizations, local and regional economic development and conservation organizations, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Canadian public.

Kejimkujik is located in the unceded traditional Mi’kmaw territory of Mi’kma’ki and it occurs over two distinct parcels of land: Kejimkujik Inland and Kejimkujik Seaside. The inland area is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by forests, including old-growth hemlocks, lakes and wetlands. The seaside portion, an hour’s drive away, is largely a self-guided destination for coastal adventure, with stunning views, sandy and cobble beaches, coastal wetlands and headlands, estuaries and lagoons

The park is within a priority place identified by Environment and Climate Change Canada for species at risk conservation under the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative, a recognized multi-stakeholder initiative focused on species at risk conservation across the broader landscape.

About $15 million ($11 million USD) was invested in Kejimkujik’s infrastructure between 2016 and 2021, including bridges, a new hiking and biking trail, maintenance of buildings and day-use areas. A significant project to upgrade washrooms and utilities at Jeremy’s Bay Campground occurred in 2020–2021, showcasing energy efficiency and fuel switching, accessibility and principles of universal inclusion in infrastructure renewal.