‘We are coming home’: Millbrook First Nation expands reserve land in Tufts Cove, N.S.

Millbrook First Nation is expanding its reserve land in Tufts Cove, N.S.

The Millbrook First Nation has added more than seven hectares to its reserve land in Tufts Cove in Dartmouth, N.S., including a first-of-its-kind water lot.

The federal government said Millbrook First Nation, which is located in Truro and has reserve land in Tufts Cove, identified historical connections to the area. A Mi’kmaw community was based in Tufts Cove prior to the 1917 Halifax Explosion, and afterwards the survivors left for Millbrook and Sipekne’katik.

The reserve will expand by 17.35 acres through two parcels of land, including a water lot, which is a first for a reserve in Canada.

“This is a momentous occasion for our community,” said Chief Bob Gloade in a news release. “We have been working for a number of years on master planning and urban design for these lands collaboratively with our neighbours, the Canada Lands Company.

“Together we will be developing an amazing asset that will benefit our community members for the next seven generations. It has been just over 108 years since our community was displaced, now we are coming home.”

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