Bear River First Nation, established in 1820, covers 3.34 square kilometres (approx. 1.3 square miles). It serves a population of 108 Mi'kmaq on the reserve and 226 off the reserve.
The Mi'kmaq are the largest of the First Nations peoples who traditionally occupy what are now Canada's eastern Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) and parts of the present U.S. states of Maine and Massachusetts.
The Annapolis Valley is home to three First Nation communities. The other two are Annapolis Valley First Nation (near Cambridge) and Glooscap First Nation (near Hantsport).
Services
The services offered by Bear River First Nation include the following:
Mi'kmaq Heritage and Cultural Centre: Opened in 2004, the Heritage and Cultural Centre is the largest building in the community. It houses a gymnasium and a recreation centre. The entrance of the building resembles a traditional Mi'kmaq wigwam and contains a heritage gallery with photos and write-ups of Bear River's Elders and past Chiefs. The first birch bark canoe to be built in Bear River in seven generations using traditional methods is on display inside.
Health Centre: The Health Centre offers healing services, workshops, and monthly doctor visits. It has the capability for video conferencing.
The community also has a learning centre, a gas bar, the Band Hall, and Saint Anne's Church.
Medicine Trail
Take a walk along the 1.5 kilometre Medicine Trail and see the special plants used in traditional Mi'kmaw medicine. The Medicine Trail is a special and spiritual place that represents the Mi'kmaq's close relationship with Mother Earth.