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Get to Know Us
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Heather Stevens
Manager & Senior Heritage Interpreter
I have spent most of my life in Millbrook, and from a young age, I’ve had a deep desire to learn more about who I am, my heritage, and my family’s history. I was raised in the United States from infancy until the age of 13, where I had little connection to other Mi'kmaq people beyond my immediate family. My family, too, had been born and raised in the U.S., and our cultural heritage was rarely discussed. Growing up in the U.S. was challenging, particularly as a Native person, and at times, I struggled with my identity and even resented who I was. However, my grandfather, a Residential School Survivor, always did his best to remind me that I was special—that I was Mi'kmaq.
After my grandfather's passing, my family moved to Nova Scotia, the ancestral homeland of my people. The journey to be accepted by the community was not easy, and at times, I still feel like an outsider. Throughout my life, I struggled with understanding my true self, working various jobs that never truly fulfilled the deeper need to connect with my identity.
Working at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre has been transformative. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about who I am, the history of my family, and the trials and triumphs of the Mi'kmaq people. I have gained a greater sense of pride in my heritage, and I am grateful to be able to share that with others. Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all over the world, and I’ve heard countless stories that resonate deeply with our own. From Canada to Australia, I’ve discovered shared experiences that bring us closer together.
Each day at the Heritage Centre is an opportunity not only to share the rich history and culture of the Mi'kmaq but also to learn from those I meet. It’s an incredible feeling to know that every day brings new connections and new insights—there’s truly no other place where I can interact with so many diverse individuals and continue to grow in my own understanding.
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Jeff Wilmot
Store Supervisor & Senior Heritage Interpreter
I was born and raised in Millbrook First Nation and am a proud father to three boys and one girl, who continue to carry on our Indigenous heritage. I find great fulfillment in my work at the Heritage Centre, not only because of the meaningful work we do, but also because of the incredible people I have the privilege of working with. Their support and camaraderie make coming to work the highlight of my week
Working at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre has been the most fulfilling job of my career. There are several aspects of this role that I truly enjoy. I have the privilege of meeting visitors from around the world and sharing my culture and traditions of my community with them. Additionally, I continually learn more about my own heritage, which enables me to teach and share this knowledge with others. As the Store Supervisor, I also have the opportunity to support local artisans by sourcing and selling their crafts. I look forward to many more years here at the heritage centre.
Arlene Bernard
Junior Heritage Interpreter
I'm a proud member of Shubenacadie First Nation, I have a deep passion for preserving and sharing the traditions of my Mi'kmaq culture. As the owner and operator of Wasoqitesk Handcrafted, I love to create handmade pieces that reflect the artistry and heritage of my people. I am a mother to 3 boys and find joy in teaching my sons about their cultural roots with the hope that they will carry this knowledge into the future.
Driven by a desire to further preserve and share the stories of the Mi'kmaq people, I took the opportunity to work at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre. Here, I can contribute to the rich cultural landscape of the community, but also continuously learn from my heritage to pass on valuable insights and traditions to visitors. Through my work, I strive to ensure that the cultural stories of my ancestors are told and appreciated by all who walk through the doors.
Madyson Paul
Social Media Coordinator & Junior Heritage Interpreter
My family is from Franklin Manor and Millbrook First Nations. Growing up, I had little understanding of my culture or what it meant to be a Mi'kmaw person. My father attended a school that was run by Catholic nuns, and as a result, he struggled to maintain his connection to his heritage. This experience shaped his relationship with our culture, and as a result, he did not share much about our traditions or history with me or my siblings as we were growing up, Before my father passed, he wrote to us, urging us never to give up on discovering who we are as Mi'kmaq people. He encouraged us to always seek guidance and strength through prayer to him or to our grandfather. Working at the Heritage Centre has been instrumental in helping me connect with my roots and establish a sense of belonging within my community and my life. I’ve developed a deep passion for sharing the knowledge I gain with visitors, as well as with my siblings. With the support of my colleagues, I’ve had the opportunity to learn traditional practices and crafts, which I hope to one day pass on to future generations.
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