Nova Scotia Misclassification Lookup

Free Surname Analysis — Living Line Archives

Many Nova Scotia families were labeled “Black,” “Colored,” or “Free Black” in 18th–20th century records even when their origins were Mi’kmaw or mixed-Native. This practice — often carried out by census clerks, church officials, or local administrators — erased Indigenous identity and reassigned entire bloodlines into new racial categories.

If your family is from Nova Scotia, especially from Kespukwitk, K’jipuktuk, or Chedabucto districts, your surname may have been misclassified. Submit your surname below and receive a free personalized micro-report based on known archival patterns, district maps, poll-tax books, early settlements, and racial label systems used from 1760–1940.

Submit Your Surname

Why This Matters

Misclassification was not accidental — it was structural. Labels like “Colored” often included:

Mi’kmaw families living near reserves or historic districts
Mixed-Native communities with pre-Loyalist origins
Free families who did not fit British racial categories
Individuals who were not African-descended but were administratively placed under “Black”

By checking your surname, you take the first step in restoring your family's true origins. This lookup is completely free and private.

Sample Micro-Reports

Clayton — Appears in Kespukwitk district records in the late 1700s. Often labeled “Colored” in 19th-century censuses despite proximity to Mi’kmaw communities. Strong candidate for misclassification review.

Downey — Found in early Chedabucto settlement clusters. Records show mixed-Native identifiers before later “Black” classifications appear in church books. High likelihood of archival mislabeling.

Hall — Listed in several “Free Colored” poll-tax entries in areas known for Mi’kmaw–settler intermarriage. Racial categories likely imposed by local officials rather than self-identification.

Who Runs This?

This lookup system is operated by Living Line Archives (2025 Edition), a research initiative dedicated to restoring erased Indigenous-Native family histories in Nova Scotia. The project analyzes:

Poll-tax lists (1760s–1880s)
Census racial categories (1838–1940)
District placement (Mi’kma’ki territorial map)
Church minute books & settlement ledgers
Loyalist vs. pre-Loyalist surname patterns

Every surname submission helps rebuild Nova Scotia’s forgotten genealogical record.

Frequently Asked

Is this only for Nova Scotia families?

Yes — the misclassification system was specific to Nova Scotia and parts of New Brunswick.

How long does the micro-report take?

Most people receive a response within 24–48 hours.

Is it really free?

Yes. The goal is restoration, not paywalls.

What happens after my submission?

Your surname is checked against district maps, early settlement records, racial category patterns, and known misclassification signatures. You receive a concise, clear analysis.