List of people from Nova Scotia facts for kids

Provincial flag of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a beautiful province in Canada, known for its stunning coastlines and friendly people. Many amazing individuals have called Nova Scotia home, or spent important parts of their lives here. This list introduces you to some of these notable people, from inventors and artists to athletes and brave military figures. They have made a big impact in many different fields, both in Canada and around the world.

Early Nova Scotians: Before Canada Was Formed
- Brave Military Figures: Early Conflicts
  - 17th and 18th Century Heroes
  - 19th Century Military Leaders
Modern Military Heroes: After Confederation
Creative Minds: Arts and Entertainment
Leaders and Thinkers: Shaping Society
Athletes: Sporting Greats
Trailblazers: Fighting for Rights
- Suffragettes: Fighting for Women's Vote
See also

Early Nova Scotians: Before Canada Was Formed

This section highlights people who lived in Nova Scotia before it joined Canada in 1867. They were pioneers, inventors, and leaders who helped shape the province.

David H. Armstrong: A Nova Scotian who became a United States Senator for Missouri.
Alexander Graham Bell: Though born in Scotland, he spent important time in Nova Scotia. He is famous for inventing the telephone.
Samuel Cunard: A businessman who started the famous Cunard Line, a shipping company.
Charles Fenerty: An inventor from Nova Scotia who created a new way to make paper from wood pulp. This made paper much cheaper!
Rose Fortune: An important Black Nova Scotian businesswoman and police officer.
Abraham Pineo Gesner: This Nova Scotian scientist discovered how to make kerosene oil.
Joseph Howe: A very important politician and journalist who fought for responsible government in Nova Scotia.
Angus MacAskill: Known as the "Cape Breton Giant," he was famous for his incredible height of 7 feet 9 inches.
Joshua Slocum: The first person to sail solo around the world. He was an amazing adventurer!

Brave Military Figures: Early Conflicts

Many Nova Scotians played key roles in military events throughout history. These individuals helped defend the region and shape its future.

17th and 18th Century Heroes

These figures were involved in early conflicts in the region, often during times when control of Acadia (Nova Scotia) was being fought over.

Charles de Menou d'Aulnay was a French governor involved in the Acadian Civil War.
Françoise-Marie Jacquelin was a brave woman who defended a fort during the Civil War in Acadia.
Baron de St. Castin was a French military officer and leader during King William's War.
Father Sébastien Rale was a French missionary involved in Father Rale's War.
Chief Jean-Baptiste Cope was a Mi'kmaq leader during Father Le Loutre's War.
Father Jean-Louis Le Loutre was a French missionary and leader during Father Le Loutre's War.
Charles Lawrence was a British governor during Father Le Loutre's War.
Silvanus Cobb was a famous ship captain and military figure.
Jonathan Eddy was a military leader during the American Revolution.

19th Century Military Leaders

These individuals served in conflicts like the War of 1812 and the Crimean War, showing bravery and leadership.

Provo Wallis was a naval officer during the War of 1812.
John Charles Beckwith fought bravely at the Battle of Waterloo.
Edward Belcher was an explorer and naval officer who searched for Franklin's lost expedition.
Nova Scotian Sir William Williams, 1st Baronet, of Kars was a hero of the Crimean War.
Major Augustus F. Welsford was a brave soldier who died in the Crimean War.
Captain William B.C.A. Parker also died heroically in the Crimean War.
Nova Scotian Sir John Eardley Inglis was a key figure in the Indian Mutiny.
William Hall (VC) was a Black Nova Scotian who earned the Victoria Cross, the highest military award, during the Indian Mutiny.
Lieutenant-Colonel James J. Bremner served during the North-West Rebellion.

Modern Military Heroes: After Confederation

These Nova Scotians served in major global conflicts like the World Wars, showing courage and dedication.

Harold Lothrop Borden was a brave soldier who died in the Second Boer War.
Margaret Marjory Fraser was a nurse who served during World War I.
Walter Harris Callow was a World War I veteran who later became an advocate for disabled veterans.
Philip Bent earned the Victoria Cross for his bravery in World War I.
John Bernard Croak also received the Victoria Cross for his actions in WWI.
James Peter Robertson was another Victoria Cross recipient from WWI.
Mona Louise Parsons was a brave Nova Scotian who helped Allied airmen escape during World War II.
Leonard W. Murray was a high-ranking admiral during World War II.

Creative Minds: Arts and Entertainment

Nova Scotia has been home to many talented people in the arts, from actors to musicians and writers.

Actors: Stars on Screen

These individuals have brought stories to life in movies and television shows.

Elliot Page: A famous actor known for roles in many popular films and TV series.
Chase Tang: An actor making a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
Page Fletcher: A well-known actor with many TV and film credits.

Architects: Designing Our World

Brian MacKay-Lyons: A celebrated architect known for his unique and modern designs.

Artists: Painting and Sculpting

These artists have created beautiful and thought-provoking works.

Alex Colville: One of Canada's most famous painters, known for his realistic and mysterious style.
Maud Lewis: A beloved folk artist whose colourful paintings of everyday life are famous worldwide.
Gilbert Stuart Newton: A historical painter who gained fame in the 19th century.

Cartoonists: Drawing Laughter and Stories

Hal Foster: The creator of the classic comic strip "Prince Valiant."

Filmmakers: Telling Stories Through Film

These directors and producers have created movies and shows that entertain and inspire.

Mike Clattenburg: The creator of the popular TV show "Trailer Park Boys."
Thom Fitzgerald: An award-winning filmmaker known for his independent movies.
Jason Eisener: A director known for his unique and often action-packed films.

Musicians: The Sound of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a rich musical heritage, producing many talented singers and bands.

Carroll Baker: A popular country music singer.
George Canyon: A successful country music artist.
Wilf Carter: Known as "Montana Slim," he was a pioneer in Canadian country music.
Classified: A well-known Canadian rapper and producer.
Holly Cole: A jazz and pop singer with a distinctive voice.
Denny Doherty: A member of the famous 1960s group The Mamas & the Papas.
Leslie Feist: An internationally acclaimed indie pop singer-songwriter.
Ashley MacIsaac: A talented fiddler known for his energetic performances.
Natalie MacMaster: Another incredible fiddler, famous for her traditional Celtic music.
Rita MacNeil: A beloved singer known for her powerful voice and heartwarming songs.
Sarah McLachlan: A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her emotional ballads.
Anne Murray: One of Canada's most successful singers, with many hit songs across different genres.
Joel Plaskett: A popular indie rock musician.
Hank Snow: A legendary country music singer and guitarist.
Portia White: A groundbreaking opera singer, one of the first Black Canadian concert singers to achieve international fame.

Popular Bands from Nova Scotia

April Wine: A classic rock band that gained international success.
The Barra MacNeils: A family band known for their traditional Celtic music.
The Rankin Family: A very popular Celtic folk band.
Sloan: A highly respected Canadian rock band.
The Trews: A successful rock band known for their energetic live shows.

Writers: Crafting Stories and Ideas

These authors have shared their unique perspectives and stories with the world.

F.H. Baker, editor of The Mayflower, ca. 1878. The Acadian Recorder gave a length biography of Baker on the occasion of his death.

Ernest Buckler: A famous novelist known for his stories about rural Nova Scotia.
George Elliott Clarke: A celebrated poet and playwright, and a former Parliamentary Poet Laureate.
Thomas Chandler Haliburton: A humorist and judge, known for his character Sam Slick.
Hugh MacLennan: A highly respected novelist who wrote about Canadian identity.
Alistair MacLeod: A beloved short story writer and novelist, known for his stories set in Cape Breton.
Margaret Marshall Saunders: An author famous for her children's book "Beautiful Joe."

Leaders and Thinkers: Shaping Society

Nova Scotia has produced influential figures in politics, business, and science.

Diplomats: Representing Our Country

Audri Mukhopadhyay: A diplomat who represents Canada on the international stage.

Doctors: Healing and Helping

Clement Ligoure: The first Black physician in Nova Scotia, a true pioneer.

Industry Leaders: Building Businesses

These individuals have made significant contributions to business and industry.

Cyrus S. Eaton: A powerful financier and industrialist.
Alfred Fuller: The founder of the famous Fuller Brush Company.
Alexander Keith: A well-known brewer and politician.
John W. Sobey: The founder of the Sobeys grocery store chain.

Inventors: Creating New Things

Walter Harris Callow: Invented a wheelchair accessible bus, improving transportation for many.
Charles Fenerty: Invented the wood pulp process for papermaking.
Abraham Pineo Gesner: Discovered kerosene, a vital fuel source.

Media Pioneers: Informing the Public

William Coates Borrett: Founded CHNS-FM, Nova Scotia's first commercial radio station.

Religious Figures: Guiding Communities

Henry Alline: An influential preacher known as the "Apostle of Nova Scotia."

Scientists: Discovering and Innovating

Donald O. Hebb: A famous psychologist known for his work on how the brain learns.
Abraham Pineo Gesner: The inventor of kerosene.
Willard Boyle: A Nobel Prize winner for his work on the charge-coupled device (CCD), which is in digital cameras.

Athletes: Sporting Greats

Nova Scotia has a strong tradition of producing amazing athletes in many different sports.

Sports Announcers: The Voice of the Game

Danny Gallivan: A legendary hockey play-by-play announcer.

Adventurers: Exploring the World

Joshua Slocum: The first person to sail solo around the world.

Baseball Players: On the Diamond

Vince Horsman: A former professional baseball player.

Boat Racers: Sailing to Victory

Angus Walters: The famous captain of the Bluenose schooner.

Canoeists and Kayakers: Paddling to Medals

Stephen Giles: An Olympic medalist in canoeing.
Karen Furneaux: An Olympic medalist in kayaking.

Boxers: In the Ring

George Dixon: The first Black world boxing champion.
Sam Langford: Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Curlers: On the Ice

Men’s Curling Stars

Mark Dacey: A successful curler who has won national championships.

Women’s Curling Stars

Colleen Jones: One of the most successful curlers in Canadian history, with multiple national and world titles.
Mary-Anne Arsenault: A key member of Colleen Jones's championship team.

Equestrians: Horseback Riding Champions

Harness Racing Legends

Bill O'Donnell: A highly successful harness racer.

Show Jumping Champions

Ian Millar: An Olympic medalist and one of the most decorated show jumpers in the world.

Football Players: On the Gridiron

NFL Players

Eddie Murray: A successful placekicker in the NFL.

CFL Players

Tyrone Williams: Played in both the NFL and CFL.

Gymnasts: Grace and Strength

Ellie Black: An Olympic medalist and one of Canada's most decorated gymnasts.

Ice Hockey People: On the Rink

Men's Hockey Stars

Sidney Crosby: One of the greatest hockey players of all time, a multiple Stanley Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist.
Nathan MacKinnon: A superstar forward in the NHL.
Al MacInnis: A Hall of Fame defenceman known for his powerful shot.
Brad Marchand: A skilled and competitive forward in the NHL.
Bobby Smith: A former NHL star and Stanley Cup winner.
Ryan Graves: A strong defenceman in the NHL.

Women's Hockey Stars

Jillian Saulnier: An Olympic medalist in women's hockey.
Blayre Turnbull: An Olympic medalist in women's hockey.

Swimmers: In the Pool

Nancy Garapick: An Olympic medalist in swimming.

Track and Field Athletes: On the Track

Aileen Meagher: An Olympic medalist in track and field.

Professional Wrestlers: In the Ring

Rocky Johnson: A famous professional wrestler and father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Trailblazers: Fighting for Rights

Suffragettes: Fighting for Women's Vote

These brave women fought for women's right to vote and for greater equality.

Anna Leonowens was an educator and activist who supported women's rights.
Edith Archibald was a key leader in the women's suffrage movement in Nova Scotia.
Eliza Ritchie was a professor and advocate for women's rights.
Laura Borden was the wife of Prime Minister Robert Borden and supported social causes.