If you visit the Northumberland Strait, you will soon find a new place to reflect on New Brunswick’s early history. A historical society has successfully purchased a one acre plot of land in rural New Brunswick to protect the unmarked graves of Acadian and Mi’kmaw people from the 1700s. Located in Cap Bimet, the site holds deep historical significance for the province.

According to a report from Global News, the Cap Bimet Historical Site Preservation Society raised $200,000 to buy the privately owned land. The municipalities of Cap Acadie and Shediac also contributed to the purchase.

Decades in the Making

For Stella Boudreau, the 87 year old president of the society, this purchase fulfills a lifelong goal. She first took an interest in the property in 1983 after learning her own ancestors were buried there.

“This land is important because it’s our ancestors. They settled here,” Boudreau said.

A retired historian from the Université de Moncton used old parish records to identify the names of those buried on the site. The records reveal a sobering reality about the harsh conditions of the 1700s.

“There’s 61 people that we know, we have that on the registry. But there’s at least 40 young people, young children being buried, and the rest is adults,” Boudreau explained. “I think it was important to honour them, to really have this land.”

Preserving Provincial History

Boudreau grew up near the property and previously asked the owner about buying it. The owner declined to sell at the time. Boudreau remained hopeful and eventually secured the site for preservation.

Now, the committee will begin revitalizing the cemetery. The group plans to build a walking path featuring plaques that detail the history of the land and the local families.

“We have plans and we are going to have it cleaned, that’s the first step this summer. And then we are going to have someone to help us with the concept,” Boudreau said.

When asked about finally moving forward with the preservation, Boudreau kept her answer simple.

“It feels very good.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the burial site located?
The one acre plot of land is located in Cap Bimet, New Brunswick, along the shores of the Northumberland Strait.

Who is buried at the Cap Bimet site?
The site contains the unmarked graves of Acadian and Mi’kmaw people dating back to the 1700s. Historians have identified 61 individuals, including at least 40 children.

What are the future plans for the cemetery?
The Cap Bimet Historical Site Preservation Society plans to clean the site this summer. They will eventually add a walking path and educational plaques to share the history of the land and the people buried there.