Lennox Island First Nation facts for kids

Lennox Island is a special place in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is home to a Mi'kmaq First Nation community. A First Nation is a group of Indigenous people who have their own government, called a band government.

The main community lives on Lennox Island itself. This land, known as Lennox Island 1, was bought for the Mi'kmaq people of Prince Edward Island around 1870 or 1878. Today, about 450 people live on this reserve. In 2016, a count showed 323 residents there.

The Lennox Island First Nation also has two other land areas, called reserves. These are Lennox Island 5 near East Bideford and Lennox Island 6 near Fernwood. These lands were added in the 2000s.

History of Lennox Island First Nation

Early Days and Naming

The Lennox Island community was originally called "L'nui Minegoo." This means "Indian Island" or "People's Island." Later, it became known as the Lennox Island Reserve. The island was named by a surveyor named Samuel Holland, after Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond.

One of the first people to live permanently on the island was Chief Francis Francis. He moved there after the Mi'kmaq people had to leave Cortin Island. Later, a church mission called the Saint Ann Mission was also built on Lennox Island.

Life on the Island in the Late 1800s

In 1880, a government report mentioned that new homes and barns were being built on the island. It also said that a Superintendent and a school teacher were helping the community learn about farming.

Choosing a Chief

In the early 1890s, there was a disagreement about who should be the Chief. Joseph Francis was acting as Chief, chosen by the community. However, the son of the previous Chief, John Thomas Sark, felt it was his turn to lead when he became old enough.

A politician named James Yeo helped Joseph Francis become the official "Chief of Prince Edward Island Micmac Indians" for life. But John Thomas Sark disagreed and formed his own group.

The Canadian government wanted all First Nations to use a system where Chiefs were elected regularly. John Thomas Sark argued that the Chief should be chosen for life, like a royal position, instead of through elections every few years.

Since 1873, when Prince Edward Island joined Canada, the Lennox Island Mi'kmaq community was under the rules of the Canadian government's Indian Act. This law set out how First Nations were governed.

Changes and Connections

In 1972, a vote was held for political and geographic reasons. It was decided that some other reserves, like Morell 2, Rocky Point 3, and Scotchfort 4, would separate from Lennox Island First Nation. These communities then formed their own new band government called Abegweit First Nation.

A big change happened in 1973 when a bridge was built. This bridge connected Lennox Island to the rest of Prince Edward Island, making it much easier for people to travel to and from the island.