New Designated Fund Invites Community Support to Preserve Historic Maligomish

July 24, 2026 – A place that has brought Mi’kmaq families together for generations now has a new way to ensure its future.

The Historic Maligomish Church Preservation Fund, a new Designated Fund of the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, has been established to support the restoration and long-term preservation of the historic Saint Anne’s Mission Church and Glebe House on Merigomish Island.

Created by community members and stewarded by the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, the fund provides a charitable opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the preservation of one of Pictou Landing First Nation’s most significant cultural and gathering places.

Long before Saint Anne’s Mission Church was built in 1897, Maligomish was an important gathering place for Mi’kmaq people from across Mi’kma’ki. The current church was built through the combined efforts of local builders and members of the Mi’kmaq congregation, many of whom helped dig the foundation, haul stone, and complete much of the carpentry work. Today, the church, Glebe House, cemetery, and surrounding grounds are recognized as a Provincially Registered Heritage Property, reflecting Maligomish’s long history as the spiritual home of the Mi’kmaq of eastern mainland Nova Scotia.

After more than 130 years, the historic buildings now require significant restoration to ensure they can continue serving Mi’kmaq communities for generations to come.

For many years, community member Hubert Nicholas has led efforts to preserve Maligomish by building partnerships, researching the site’s history, pursuing grants, and advocating for the restoration of the church.

“This has never been just about restoring a building,” said Hubert Nicholas. “Maligomish is where our families gather, where our traditions continue, and where generations have come together to celebrate the Feast of St. Anne. We’ve worked for many years to secure grants and other support for this project. The Historic Maligomish Church Preservation Fund now gives everyone who feels connected to this place an opportunity to be part of preserving it.”

The Designated Fund complements the community’s ongoing restoration efforts by creating a permanent charitable giving opportunity. While grants and other funding sources remain an important part of the project, charitable donations will help advance restoration work and ensure the church and Glebe House remain places of gathering, ceremony, and connection.

“Designated Funds allow communities to build lasting support around the places, people, and causes that matter most to them,” said Chris Googoo, Executive Director of the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation. “We are honoured to steward this fund on behalf of the community and to support the vision that Hubert and so many others have been working toward for years. This is community-led preservation, and we’re proud to help create another pathway for people to contribute.”

Donations to the Historic Maligomish Church Preservation Fund will support:

Restoration and preservation of Saint Anne’s Mission Church
Repairs and improvements to the historic Glebe House
Protection of an important cultural and community gathering place
Continued use of the site for ceremony, community gatherings, and cultural traditions
Long-term stewardship of an important part of Mi’kmaq history

The announcement comes as families prepare to gather once again at Maligomish for the annual Feast of St. Anne, taking place August 1 and 2. The gathering continues a tradition that has brought Mi’kmaq families together for generations and serves as a reminder of why preserving this sacred place is so important.

Community members, families, businesses, organizations, and friends of Maligomish are invited to support the Historic Maligomish Church Preservation Fund by making a charitable donation. Every gift helps protect a place that has welcomed generations of Mi’kmaq families and will continue to do so for generations to come.

To learn more or make a donation, visit https://ulnoowegfoundation.ca/maligomish-fund/

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