Millbrook and MSVU Launch Groundbreaking Indigenous Tourism Education Partnership

Written By Millbrook Web Administrator

From left to right: Joël Dickinson, Helen Long, Kelsie Johnston, Lori Francis, Dionne Ettinger, Brett Bernard, Monica Sani, Lori Paul, Cathy Martin, Art Stevens, and Chief Bob Gloade. Credit: Nicholas Jones /MSVU AV team

Millbrook and MSVU Launch Groundbreaking Indigenous Tourism Education Partnership

We are pleased to share an important milestone for the Millbrook First Nation community and Indigenous learners across Mi’kma’ki. Millbrook First Nation has officially partnered with Mount Saint Vincent University’s Kinu Tourism Project to advance Indigenous access to tourism education and leadership opportunities.

The partnership was launched at the Indigenous Tourism Education and Entrepreneurship Conference held at Mount Saint Vincent University in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). The event brought together community leaders, educators, students, and partners to celebrate a shared commitment to Indigenous-led education and economic development.

What This Partnership Means

This collaboration focuses on creating meaningful pathways for Indigenous students to pursue post-secondary education in tourism, a growing sector that offers opportunities for entrepreneurship, cultural sharing, and community prosperity.

Through this partnership, Millbrook First Nation and MSVU aim to:

  • Expand access to culturally grounded tourism education for Indigenous learners

  • Strengthen Indigenous tourism offerings that reflect Mi’kmaq culture, language, and history

  • Support entrepreneurship and workforce development in the tourism sector

  • Center Indigenous voices, knowledge, and leadership within post-secondary programming

Voices From the Launch

Chief Bob Gloade shared that Millbrook First Nation is committed to empowering community members through education and economic opportunities that celebrate Indigenous identity and heritage. He emphasized that this partnership supports capacity building in tourism while creating opportunities to share Mi’kmaq stories and experiences in meaningful and respectful ways.

Dr. Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Saint Vincent University, highlighted the partnership as an important step toward reconciliation through education. He noted that Indigenous leadership and knowledge will play a key role in shaping the future of cultural tourism in Canada.

A First of Its Kind

The Kinu Tourism Project is believed to be one of the first Indigenous student cohorts of its kind in the country. Developed in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and MSVU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program, the initiative focuses on Indigenous-led, sustainable tourism that supports community wellbeing and long-term economic growth.

Looking Ahead

This partnership reflects Millbrook First Nation’s continued leadership in education, innovation, and cultural revitalization. It opens new doors for learners while strengthening connections between education, culture, and community-driven economic development.

Please continue to check our news and events section for updates and future opportunities connected to the Kinu Tourism Project.

Millbrook Web Administrator