Membertou First Nation

The Membertou First Nation is a Mi'kmaq First Nation located in the tribal district of Unamaki, also known as Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

The Membertou First Nation administers the following reserves:

• Sydney 28A, in the north end of Sydney, adjacent to the former CFS Sydney
• Membertou 28B, in the south end of Sydney off Mira Road
• Caribou Marsh 29
• Malagawatch 4 (1/5 share)

Membertou Convention Centre, Membertou First Nation, Sydney, Cape Breton.

Membertou is mostly an urban First Nation community consisting of over 1050 people. Named after the Grand Chief Henri Membertou (1510-1611) the Membertou First Nation belongs to the greater tribal group of the Mi'kmaq Nation.

Membertou was not always situated at its present location. Many years ago, Membertou (formally known as the Kings Road Reserve) was located just off of Kings Road, along the Sydney Harbor. In 1916, the Exchequer Court of Canada ordered the relocation of the 125 Mi’kmaq; the first time an aboriginal community had been legally forced through the courts to relocate in Canadian history. In 1926, the Membertou Community was officially moved to its present day location in the vicinity of Mira Road, Nova Scotia.

Membertou First Nation has been successful in diversifying its economy, featuring a convention centre, gaming centre, gas bar, business centre and other investments within the community. The most recent new addition is a hotel due for completion in 2011.

See also

• Lawrence Paul - former chief of the Membertou First Nation
• Donald Marshall, Jr. - noted Mi'kmaq activist

External links

• Membertou Community Web Site

Coordinates: 46°6′53.84″N 60°11′25.44″W / 46.1149556°N 60.1904°W / 46.1149556; -60.1904