by Richard Perry, MMNN Contributor

(L-R) Chief Prosper and Rose Paul unveil the logo for the Bayside Travel Centre, due to open this summer.

For the first time, motorists on the Trans Canada Highway east of Antigonish can take an off-ramp right into the growing community of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. Until now, drivers heading east or west since the mid-1960s had no idea the reserve was even there, hidden beyond the fringe of trees.

But no more. A $15.3 million highway interchange with roundabouts, ramps, connector roads and bridges is now officially open.

“It’s a historic day for our community,” said Chief Paul (PJ) Prosper.

It is especially historic when you consider that in the 1970s, a provincial spokesperson denied the Band’s request for access to the south side, citing ‘safety’ concerns. He suggested that perhaps a tiny triangular parcel of land could be made available so “the Indians ...

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