Membertou First Nation and Canada announce four new Additions To Reserve
News release
March 4, 2026 — Membertou, Nova Scotia, Membertou First Nation — Crown-Indigenous Relations
Today, Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced four additions to reserve totalling 409.37 acres of land. The land additions will double Membertou First Nation’s existing land base, opening up the community’s ability to grow and plan for the future.
Additions to reserve:
- Heritage Park – 7.32 acres
- Lingan – 12.94 acres
- Stan’s Paving – 20.61 acres
- Mullins – 368.5 acres
The additions to reserve land will be used by the First Nation to plan modern housing for a growing community, as well as space to increase commercial and economic opportunities. Expanding First Nation land bases for residential and commercial development creates more opportunities for sustainable and prosperous First Nation communities.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
"Membertou is proud to add more than 409 acres of land to our community. With gratitude to Minister Alty and our federal government partners, we're accessing land that is vital for commercial and residential development.
For us, land is tied to identity and history, bringing both responsibility and opportunity. Our community focuses on generational growth and today's announcement exemplifies how collaboration and partnership are key on the path to success."
Chief Terry Paul
Chief & CEO, Membertou
“Adding lands to reserves provides the space to build new homes, increase commercial enterprises, and build stronger communities. With the addition of over 400 acres of land, we are not only advancing reconciliation but also helping build a brighter, more resilient future in Cape Breton. Once again, congratulations to Membertou First Nation on doubling your land base.”
The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“Today marks an important step for Membertou First Nation. Expanding the land base is about more than acres—it is about creating space for families to thrive, for new homes to be built, and for future generations to see themselves reflected in a strong and growing community. When First Nations have the land and tools to plan on their own terms, opportunity follows. I look forward to seeing Membertou continue to lead with vision and determination as they shape their future.”
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services
“As Mi’kmaq, it is with great pride that I support the announcement of additions to land for Membertou First Nation. The increased land base will provide opportunities in the Cape Breton region for many generations.”
Jaime Battiste
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish
“Congratulations to Chief Terry Paul on the additions to reserve. This expansion will allow for the community and its members to continue to grow and flourish with new possibilities that an added land base provides.”
Mike Kelloway
Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Sydney–Glace Bay
Quick facts
-
Membertou First Nation
- Mi’kmaw community of 1,695 members on and off reserve.
- Located three kilometres from downtown Sydney, on Unama’ki (Cape Breton)
- A part of a thriving community, the Membertou Development Corporation was named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2019; the first Mi’kmaq Corporation to be honoured with the Best Managed designation.
-
Additions to reserve
- Heritage Park – 7.32 acres. The area will be used for cultural and ceremonial purposes.
- Lingan – 12.94 acres. The area will be used to improve access to Sydney Indian reserve.
- Stan’s Paving – 20.61 acres. The area will be used for commercial development.
- Mullins – 368.50 acres. The area will be used for residential purposes.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Alec Wilson
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
1-819-661-1538
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Kelsea MacNeil - Director, Public Relations & Business Development
Membertou Development Corporation
kelseamacneil@membertou.ca
902-578-4858
902-562-6826 ext. 5023
Stay connected
Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:
X: @GCIndigenous
Facebook: @GCIndigenous @MembertouFirstNation
Instagram: @gcindigenous @membertoufn
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS.