FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2026
Mi’kma’ki —Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq (Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs) is pleased to announce the recent purchase of lands adjacent to the designated National Historic Site which includes the Bedford Barrens Petroglyphs.
“The Bedford Barrens Petroglyphs hold deep spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for the Mi’kmaq,” said Chief Leroy Denny, Co-Chair, Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq. “By securing this property, we are safeguarding the integrity of the petroglyphs and ensuring that this sacred place remains protected and accessible for generations to come.”
The Bedford Barrens lands encompass approximately 40 acres of forest and rocky ridges located within the urban area of Bedford, NS. While most of the area is provincial Crown land, there are four privately owned lots, totaling approximately seven acres, with one, less than 20 metres from the petroglyph site.
In 2025, these four lots, zoned for residential development, went on the market and immediately concerns were raised by Mi’kmaq and non-Indigenous allies about how the sale could impact access to the petroglyph site.
“We are thankful the sellers prioritized giving us the time and opportunity to secure these properties, over a quick sale,” said Chief Sidney Peters, Co-Chair, Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq. “Development of these lands, without Mi’kmaw control or input, could have significantly compromised the integrity of the petroglyph sites and the ability for future generations of Mi’kmaq to access such a significant area.”
The Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq believes the acquisition demonstrates proactive land stewardship and how relationships can be built in Nova Scotia around the management of culturally significant places.
The purchase was supported by Mi’kmaw organizations, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, and through funding from the Mi’kmaq Resource Development Partnership of Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA), an economic development partnership owned by the 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
“We all knew how important it was to the Mi’kmaw Nation that we acquire these lands. We appreciate everyone who came together to help make this happen,” continued Chief Denny. “This purchase demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safeguarding Mi’kmaw cultural heritage and honours the relationship we have had with the land since time immemorial.”