Who We Are Today
Honouring our histories. Practicing traditional ways of being, knowing and living.
Sipekne’katik First Nation is a community rooted in the traditions and history of our ancestors, taking pride in our Mi’kmaq culture, language and way of life. We are one of 13 First Nations located in Nova Scotia and the largest Mi’kmaq band in Nova Scotia. Sipekne’katik First Nation includes the communities of Indian Brook IR #14, New Ross, Pennal, Dodd’s Lot, Wallace Hills and Grand Lake.
We are a vibrant, growing community of 2,986 band members, with 1,436 members residing in the community and 1,550 members residing out of the community. Located in Hants County, near Shubenacadie, the land area of Sipekne’katik First Nation spans 12.13 sq. km from New Ross, NS, to Grand Lake, NS. Sipekne’katik is conveniently located a short distance from Kijipuktuk (Halifax) and Truro.
Our Community
Sipekne’katik is where we live, work and honour our Mi’kmaw ancestors while celebrating and safeguarding our culture for future generations.
We strive to provide exciting cultural, educational, social, recreational, and health and wellness opportunities for all Band members. Whether it's our social or ceremonial lobster fishery or events held at our multipurpose centre, our community is strengthened by our relationships and connections to our heritage.
Through education rooted in Mi’kmaq studies and language, we are creating community leaders of tomorrow by passing down generations of storytelling, wisdom and history to our youth. With the opening of our L’nu Sipuk Kina’muokuom (LSK) School in 2008, our children receive an education reflective of their culture and taught by community educators and elders.
Back row Rick Simon, Jimmy Roadknght, Charle Francis, Roger Lewis, Vincent Syliboy and Abram Paul. In front, Gary Lewis, Joey Francis, Pete Adema, Billy Lewis, Raymond Brooks, Stephen Paul and Robert John Bernard.
(Summer of 1972)
Our Outlook
With our eyes focused on the future, our Chief and Council are focused on improving the economic sustainability of our community and it’s members. Through a strategic plan and economic development corporation initiatives, the Band is improving the standard of living of members by providing essential goods, services, health and wellness, infrastructure and social supports.