Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, today I rise to congratulate and honour my friends from the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. Elsipogtog means “river of fire” in the Mi’kmaq language and is located on the beautiful Richibucto River about one hour from my home in Moncton.

This year, the Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Center Tours & Artisan Gift Shop, which runs the Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tour, won the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s prestigious Indigenous Tourism Award. The award recognizes Indigenous businesses that demonstrate a commitment to the development, promotion and delivery of authentic, innovative experiences that promote Indigenous culture and tourism growth in the region.

This award is well deserved, and we welcome you to our Senate. I understand you have an invitation from the other Senators to attend their game in Ottawa tonight and set up a booth to display your products.

Last summer, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Lynn Francis, director of the Elsipogtog Economic Development and members of her staff, as well as Chrissy Guitard, co-owner of SheBuilds construction company.

We met with Lynn’s team to learn about the various economic development projects at Elsipogtog First Nation. Our meeting began with a smudging ceremony by an elder, after which we had a chance to learn about the Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tour, which is a guided walk through the traditional lands of the community.

The tour features historical, cultural and spiritual teachings designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It includes an authentically constructed wigwam, longhouse and sweat lodge made by their local elder and knowledge keeper.

The tour ends inside the cultural centre where we were greeted by a group of young women wearing traditional ribbon skirts. It provides visitors a safe place to ask questions about Mi’kmaq culture, which is an excellent way to connect for folks who may not know about this profound history in New Brunswick. The Artisan Gift Shop offers very beautiful products for sale. We also enjoyed a special treat of bannock and fresh blueberries.

Later we had a chance to see several new buildings in the community such as a new hockey arena and to visit one of the SheBuilds construction sites. SheBuilds, in partnership with Elsipogtog Economic Development, provides opportunities for Mi’kmaq women to learn skilled trades while building houses in their own community. The carpenters and apprentices we met were very proud of their work that will help tackle the housing shortage in the community while increasing career opportunities for their skilled workers.

I was so grateful to have the opportunity to visit the Elsipogtog First Nation after so many years. It’s a very progressive place and definitely a tourist destination. Mark it on your calendar for a visit when coming to New Brunswick.

Friends, again, congratulations on your achievement in creating a wonderful cultural experience to share with us, and thank you for joining us today. Wela’lioq, thank you.