Walk the decks. Trace your roots. Discover the living history at the Ship Hector Quay. Book your visit today.
Every Arrival Has a Story
Donate Today
Help restore the Hector.
A ship. A story. A shared journey.
This is the moment we turn the page, together. The Hector is a story of resilience and community. With your help, we can finish what history began.
Your Gift Supports A Community
You're helping build:
A working vessel, handcrafted with care
A place for cultural education, healing, and truth
A legacy that reflects the full story, Mi’kmaw and Scottish Settlers
A reason for the next generation to say: “I want to sail on it.”
We’re Almost There, But We Can’t Do It Without You
The hull is built. The stories are being shared. The community is ready. But we still need to raise the final funds to complete the motors masts, the sails, the rigging, to see her set sail.
A Shared Word for Arrival
Two languages. Two worldviews. When the Ship Hector came ashore, it marked a turning point, one filled with courage, hardship, generosity, and change. Today, these words remind us that every arrival leaves a trace, and that some journeys begin long before the first step is taken. We’re carrying forward a story, of Mi’kmaq and Scottish roots, of survival and kinship, of what it means to arrive and belong.
Mi'kmaw: Oqwa'jik
(“pronounced Oh” “gwah” “jik”
They are arriving.
Gaelic: Ruigheachd
(pronounced roo-yukhk)
To reach a destination.
“We’ve got this vessel. We’ve got to finish it. There’s no two ways about it. if we want to see her sail, we’ve got to do it together. Are you coming with me?”
Vern Shea
Master Ship Builder
"I would love to sail on the Hector to feel what it must've been like to sail down the long harbour and finally see the land where they decided to come ashore".
Donna Bullerwell
Decendent
"I want to sail on the Hector. I was really surprised at how big and incredible it is. I want to be the captain of a boat one day, because boats are beautiful."
Gunnerson
Future Ship Captain
This Story Is Spreading
Each donation helps us finish the Hector and bring OQWA’JIK to life for generations to come. Tag @ShipHectorProject and share why you’re coming aboard.