Membertou First Nation
Membertou First Nation is an urban and progressive Mi’kmaq community in Unama’ki, also known as Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Located just three kilometers from Sydney, Membertou was moved in 1926 from Kun’tewiktuk (King’s Road Reserve), marking the first time in Canadian history that an Indigenous community was legally forced to relocate. As Membertou grows, with over 1,000 members living on-reserve and 600 off-reserve, it continues to provide its community with new education and employment opportunities, as well as cultural workshops that are focused on promoting leadership for a successful future.
Miawpukek First Nation
Situated at the mouth of the Conne River, along the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Miawpukek First Nation is a strong and vibrant community, experiencing steady growth in government, social reforms, health, education, economic development, culture, and traditions. With a membership of approximately 3,000 people, with more than 800 living on-reserve, Miawpukek now represents one of two of the fastest growing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and is often referenced and called upon by Indigenous and Northern Affairs as a model community for other First Nations.
Paqtnkek First Nation
Paqtnkek First Nation is a small Indigenous community located near the shores of Antigonish Harbour in Nova Scotia. The community inhabits a reserve known as Paqtnkek-Niktuek 23 and has a population of approximately 450 members living on-reserve and over 150 members living off-reserve. For generations, fishing activities involving eel and other species has been significant for the Mi’kmaq people of Paqtnkek and continues to be a thriving part of their community today.
Pictou Landing First Nation
Situated at the mouth of Pictou Harbour and adjacent to Boat Harbour in Nova Scotia, Pictou Landing First Nation is located north of Trenton, on the south shore of the Northumberland Strait in Nova Scotia. With over 650 members, including approximately 500 residing on-reserve, Pictou Landing is a healthy and prosperous Mi’kmaq community guided by the seven sacred teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.
Potlotek First Nation
Potlotek First Nation, also known as Chapel Island, is a historic Mi’kmaw community located 75 kilometers south of Sydney, Cape Breton, along the Bras d’Or Lakes. With a cultural heritage spanning over 10,000 years, Potlotek continues to thrive on its rich marine resources, including oysters, lobster, and cod, which are central to its traditional economy. Today, approximately 650 members live on-reserve in Potlotek, and an additional 150 members live off-reserve.
Sipekne’katik First Nation
Located in Hants County, Nova Scotia, near Shubenacadie, Sipekne’katik First Nation spans over 12 square kilometers across the province. Originally founded in 1820 as ‘Indian Brook’, the community’s name was changed to Sipekne’katik in 2013, which means “where the wild potatoes grow”. With over 1,400 members living on-reserve and 1,600 residing off-reserve, Sipekne’katik has strong roots and ties to community traditions, as well as the history of its ancestors, taking immense pride in Mi’kmaq culture and language. The community is focused on providing cultural, educational, social, recreational, and health and wellness opportunities for all members.
We’koqma’q First Nation
Located along the shores of Bras d’Or Lake in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, We’koqma’q First Nation is rich in hunting and fishing grounds. Comprising approximately 1,000 members living on-reserve and an additional 50 members living off-reserve, the Chief and Council have prioritized the economic, social and health needs of their community, which has led to a positive and prosperous transformation for We’koqma’q. Today, We’koqma’q is a thriving community with a state-of-the-art school and health center, private businesses that cater to Cape Breton Island tourists and local residents, providing a vibrant cultural environment.
