Lennox Island First Nation

Lennox Island is a Mi'kmaq First Nations band government in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. Its only currently inhabited reserve is Lennox Island 1, on Lennox Island, purchased by the Aborigines' Protection Society on behalf of the Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island[1] in 1870[2] or 1878.[3] The population on reserve is approximately 450.[4] In 2005 the population was 320 on reserve and 720 off reserve, with 60% of the population being younger than 35.[3] The 2016 census counted 323 residents on reserve.[5] The band has two other reserves, Lennox Island 5, located in East Bideford, and Lennox Island 6, located in Fernwood, both acquired in the 2000s.[6]

History

The band government was originally known as "L'nui Minegoo" or the Indian/People's Island, and later known as the Lennox Island Reserve or the Lennox Island Band. It was named after Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond, by Samuel Holland; surveyor. Original permanent inhabitants included Chief Francis Francis who resided there after the Mi'kmaq were displaced from Cortin Island. The Saint Ann Mission was later established on the island.

In 1880, the Department of Indian Affairs reported that new houses and barns had been built on the island, and that a Superintendent and school teacher was instructing the community in agriculture.[1]

In 1972, for political and geographic reasons, a vote was held which decided to split reserves Morell 2, Rocky Point 3, and Scotchfort 4 from Lennox Island First Nation and form a new band government, Abegweit First Nation.[7]

In 1973, a bridge was built connecting Lennox Island to the rest of Prince Edward Island.[8]

References
  1. "Dominion of Canada. Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December, 1880". Indian Affairs Annual Report. 1880: 7. 1880. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  2. Richard Butler; Thomas Hinch (26 October 2007). Tourism and Indigenous Peoples: Issues and Implications. Elsevier. pp. 225–. ISBN 978-0-7506-6446-2. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
  3. "Pan-Canadian Community Development Learning Network Profile of Effective Practice:Lennox Island First Nation" (PDF). The Canadian CED Network.
  4. "A Welcome from the Chief". Lennox Island First Nation. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  5. "Lennox Island 1 Census Profile". Statistics Canada.
  6. "Lennox Island looks to expand reserve beyond original borders". CBC News.
  7. "About Abegweit First Nation". Abegweit First Nation. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  8. "Nature Trail: The Bay". Lennox Island First Nation. Retrieved 30 December 2019.

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