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This land is our land
This past summer, I conducted a research project in the
communities of North and East Preston to try to understand
and identify the concerns of community members regarding
land ownership.
Community leaders and families told of challenges and frustrations
regarding the historic expropriation of land, difficulties with property
taxes, lack of clarity in land titles and concerns regarding inequities
in inheritance. These challenges clearly stem from a history fraught
with racism, oppression and inequity. Today, fewer instances of overt
racism occur and the problems are more systemic. However, racism
and marginalization are still very real experiences for the residents of
North and East Preston.
Interviews centered around three themes of inquiry:
• What are the historical challenges and barriers faced by African
Nova Scotian people when dealing with land ownership;
• In what ways had government processes and legislation been
used in the process to acquire land by community members; and
• In what ways can Nova Scotia move forward to address future
land acquisition and community education around the process
of land ownership?
The communities of North and East Preston were settled on
undeveloped land with little to no resources available for future survival.
Community members experienced frustration and feelings of shame
and anger. These feelings led
to mistrust, which continues
to this day and is deeply
connected to the deplorable
historical conditions. One
Angela Simmonds
Law student, Schulich School
of Law at Dalhousie University
elder in the community who shared his experience explained the land
was not fertile and did not provide the basic necessities to survive.
Through the interview process, some of the concerns raised by
community members were identified around the issues of property
taxes, land title and government programs. It was clear that community
members felt that both North and East Preston are at risk of being lost.
It was also clear through the research for this project that community
members feel they are not being adequately consulted or included in
policy developments with respect to their land. These experiences have
led to growing feelings of distrust and animosity with the provincial
and municipal governments.
Some recommendations emerged from the research and conversations
with community members:
• Creation of a Community Land Trust;
• Establishment of education programs in the communities, to
help people understand the laws that govern their land and the
processes that exist to acquire legal title; and
• Advocacy is required on behalf of the community members in
the Preston area, to ensure straightforward, easy to access and
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