May 21, 2024 Kluskap Wilderness Area: Learn more about its significance by Youth Advisory Council (2023-2024 Cohort) Kluskap Wilderness Area is a very special place for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq, who have been stewards of this area for thousands of years, believe the great prophet Kluskap once dwelled in an oceanside cave near Cape Dauphin, at the northern tip of the wilderness area. The Kluskap’s Cave, or Nukmij’nawe’nuis, known by locals as “Fairy Hole,” is considered by the Mi’kmaq to be the centre of the universe and where Kluskap is expected to return one day. The cave needs to be protected from hikers and tourists leaving garbage and graffiti, and degrading the landscape. The significance of the site to the Mi’kmaq Peoples raises the need for site-based education, monitoring, and protection. Kluskap Wilderness Area was designated by the Province in 2016, through consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. In 2023, the Province and the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources signed a Shared Understanding on Kluskap Wilderness Area. It is the first agreement of its kind between Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq, guiding the creation and long-term care of Indigenous protected and conserved areas in Unama’ki (Cape Breton). Key biodiversity: Kluscap Wilderness Area covers nearly 2,800 hectares of land. The landscape consists of cobble beaches, coastal cliffs, ravines, wetlands, and caves. The area is home to a variety of tree species, including white pine and hemlock along the revines and black spruce, balsam fir, and hardwood forest along the coastal slopes. Bald eagles, pilot whales, dolphins, and numerous species at risk, including the little brown bat, the olive-sided flycatcher, and a type of fungus called blue felt lichen, are also present. How you can support: If you have the opportunity to visit, leave no trace! Stick to designated trails and don’t litter or leave items behind, respect the area, and educate yourself on its significance. Learn more about the significance of the Kluscap Wilderness Area and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Unama’ki here. Explore Related Content Youth Advisory Council Discover the importance of Eeyou Istchee Protected Area May 21, 2024 Read more Youth Advisory Council Kitaskeenan Kaweekanawaynichikatek – Our Land We Want to Protect May 21, 2024 Read more News and Updates, Youth Advisory Council, Youth Voices Water Sovereignty: Join our Youth Advisory Council’s virtual panel May 21, 2024 Read more
