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 in 1870 or 1878. The population on reserve is approximately 450. In 2005 the population was 320 on reserve and 720 off reserve, with 60% of the population being younger than 35. The 2016 census counted 323 residents on reserve. 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.

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