Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, a land governed by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship.
We recognize and honor the more than 400-year history of people of African descent in Nova Scotia, expressing our deep gratitude to the African ancestors who have shaped this land alongside us.
At this moment of reckoning, we find ourselves committed to balancing the African Nova Scotian endeavor for rightful land restoration with deep respect for the Mi’kmaw’s unceded territory. Our path forward is marked by empathy, a dedication to justice, stewardship, and mutual respect.
About UHPCLT
Established in 2022, UHPCLT emerged as a response to the increasing concerns within our community, with a commitment to strengthening, protecting, and preserving the historical and sacred lands of Upper Hammonds Plains. Our mission is centered around providing affordable housing and preserving the African Nova Scotian culture and heritage through collective land ownership and responsible stewardship. We envision Upper Hammonds Plains as a community where affordable and secure land ownership is a reality, achieved through community-led development that is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and social equity. Aspiring to be a leader in developing community land trusts within Black communities provincially and nationally, UHPCLT is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and economic prosperity of our neighborhoods, while creating opportunities for Black families and individuals to access affordable housing, economic opportunities, and the tools necessary for building intergenerational wealth.
Our Vision
We envision a future where everyone in Upper Hammonds Plains has access to affordable rental housing and pathways to homeownership. Through innovative, people-centered housing designs, we aim to create sustainable and equitable housing solutions.
Documenting Progress
Our journey involves documenting every step of the CLT implementation process. From incorporating as a registered non-profit to selecting a dedicated board, developing a multi-year strategic plan, hiring staff, and acquiring our first asset – we are committed to sharing our experiences and insights.
Sharing Knowledge
By documenting our key activities and learning experiences, we aspire to support other CLTs operating in similar contexts. We believe in the power of sharing challenges and lessons to foster collaboration and success within the CLT community.
Making an Impact
Beyond the foundational work, we are actively testing the CLT model by acquiring land parcels from residents and government entities. Our initiative will create safe, sustainable, and affordable housing options for our residents.
Inspiring Prosperity
Through UHPCLT, we aim to inspire other historically African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia to take control of their land and pursue economic prosperity. Together, we can unlock the potential of our community and make a lasting impact.
Community-Centered Approach
UHPCLT is not just about housing solutions; it’s about fostering community engagement, bringing professionals, stakeholders, and governments together, and creating environmentally sustainable projects. We empower our community to learn about land management, participate in development, and collaborate on remarkable housing projects.
Join us on our journey as we work towards a brighter, more equitable future for Upper Hammonds Plains.
MEET THE TEAM
CURTIS WHILEY
Curtis Whiley is a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian with deep roots in the historic community of Upper Hammonds Plains. With over 12 years of public service, Curtis has worked extensively on housing and land titles initiatives, including his time at the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Currently serving as the Director of the Land Titles Initiative, Curtis has played a critical role in resolving long-standing land ownership issues for African Nova Scotian communities.
Curtis holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Improvement, along with a Master of Business Administration in Social Enterprise Leadership from the University of Fredericton, which has fueled his passion for social change and community- driven transformation.
A serial social entrepreneur, Curtis is the founder and visionary behind the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust (UHPCLT). He represents UHPCLT on the steering committee for the African Nova Scotian Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy, which led to the incorporation of the Nova Scotia Black Community Housing Council. He also co-chairs the Advisory Committee for the establishment of the Black Community Housing Technical Resource Center.
Beyond his housing work, Curtis serves as a Board Member of the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts and the Ecology Action Center, showcasing his commitment to environmental and social justice. As a public speaker and passionate advocate for community empowerment, Curtis continues to dedicate his career to creating sustainable solutions that uplift marginalized communities.
MELISA MARSMAN
Melisa Marsman is a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian, with ancestral ties to the Black Refugees of the War of 1812, who settled in Upper Hammonds Plains, and members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Melisa earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from York University, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM) from Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
Melisa is a lawyer and an Assistant Professor at the Schulich School of Law, where her research focuses on African Nova Scotians and the law, Critical Race Legal Theory, and property law. Her thesis, “Redressing the Past to Repair the Present: The Role of Property Law in Creating and Exacerbating Racial Disparities in Wealth and Poverty in Nova Scotia,” has been a guiding beacon for the work of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust.
Her extensive legal career includes private practice and in-house counsel roles, and her academic work includes teaching courses on African Nova Scotian Legal History, Critical Race Theory, and Legal Ethics. A Purdy Crawford Fellow, Melisa has played a pivotal role in Dalhousie University’s African Nova Scotian Strategy Working Group and Advisory Council. She also contributes to community through her involvement with Emmanuel Baptist Church and other community organizations, including UHPCLT.
BRANDON DAVID
Brandon David, born and raised in the historic African Nova Scotian community of Upper Hammonds Plains, proudly carries forward the legacy of the “David” Black Loyalists. Deeply rooted in his ancestral land, Brandon has established himself as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. He works at an investment firm in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and manages several small family-owned businesses, applying his financial expertise to both his ventures and community development efforts.
Brandon is also a developer, having built homes and owning several properties in Upper Hammonds Plains that are made affordable to local residents. His dedication extends to his role as a Board Member of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association, where he contributes to initiatives that support and uplift the community.
A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Brandon mentors youth, passing down values of resilience, education, and empowerment. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys chess, fishing, and exploring local eateries, balancing personal fulfillment with his commitment to his community.
KARALEE OLIVER
Karalee Oliver is a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian (ANS) from the historic community of Upper Hammonds Plains, where she continues to reside. With over 11 years of public service for the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, Karalee’s career includes eight years with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice at the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division), where she played a key role in court operations and legal administration. She then spent three years as a Community Navigator with the Province’s Land Titles Initiative, assisting African Nova Scotian communities in securing clear title to their lands.
Karalee is also a Justice of the Peace, having officiated hundreds of weddings, and is a trusted leader in her community, providing critical support to residents navigating personal and legal matters.
Driven by her passion for legal advocacy, Karalee is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, with the goal of becoming a lawyer. She also holds leadership roles as the Secretary of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association and a Board Director for the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, where she leads efforts to address housing needs and community development.
KAITLYN PATTERSON
Kaitlyn Patterson is a proud member of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Upper Hammonds Plains, embodying the spirit of community engagement. As a Program Coordinator with the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, she advocates for community preservation and development. Kaitlyn’s full-time role is as the Office Administrator at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she plays a central role in community life.
Additionally, she coordinates youth programming for the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association. A mother and active leader, Kaitlyn’s passion and faith drive her work, making her a pillar of strength and stewardship within her community. She remains committed to preserving the heritage and history of Upper Hammonds Plains, empowering and uplifting those around her.
NAOMI MARSMAN
OUR PARTNERS
We’d like to give a special thanks to all of our partners that make the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust possible.
