Abegweit First Nation facts for kids
| People | Mi'kmaq |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Scotchfort |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Scotchfort 4 |
| Other reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 1.91821 km2 |
| Population (December 2022) | |
| On reserve | 220 |
| On other land | 13 |
| Off reserve | 169 |
| Total population | 402 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Roderick W. Gould, Jr. |
| Council size | 4 |
| Council |
|
| Tribal Council | |
| Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, Inc. | |
The Abegweit First Nation is a self-governing community of First Nations people. They live on Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada.
Their main office is in Scotchfort, which they call Skaqmk. This place was once a historic Mi'kmaq travel route. It connected Mimtugaak (on the Hillsborough River) to Kadotpichk (on Savage Harbour). The Abegweit First Nation has three special areas called reserves: Morell 2, Rocky Point 3, and Scotchfort 4.
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What is the Abegweit First Nation?
The Abegweit First Nation was officially created on March 7, 1972. The name Abegweit is the English way of saying Epekwitk. This is the original word from the Mi'kmaq language for Prince Edward Island. Abegweit means "Cradle on the Waves." This name fits well because PEI is an island surrounded by water.
Abegweit First Nation Reserves
The Abegweit First Nation manages three reserves. These are special lands set aside for First Nations people.
| Community | Area | Location | Date established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morell 2 | 74.10 hectares (183 acres) | 38.4 km. northeast of Charlottetown | 1846 |
| Rocky Point 3 | 4.90 hectares (12 acres) | south of Charlottetown harbor | October 3, 1913 |
| Scotchford 4 | 113.10 hectares (279 acres) | 24 km. northeast of Charlottetown | prior to 1867 |
The number of people registered with the Abegweit First Nation has grown. In 2016, there were 240 registered people. By December 2022, this number reached 402.
How the Abegweit First Nation Was Formed
Before 1972, all four reserves on Prince Edward Island were part of the Lennox Island First Nation. Because the reserves were far apart and there were disagreements, the Abegweit First Nation was formed.
On March 7, 1972, a vote took place. It was decided that the Morell, Rocky Point, and Scotchfort reserves would become part of the new Abegweit First Nation. Soon after, on May 17, 1972, the first election was held. A chief and two councillors were chosen to lead the new nation. In the 1990s, the Abegweit First Nation brought these three reserves together.
Epekwitk Assembly of Councils
The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils was created in 2019. It helps the Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation work together. Chiefs and councils from both nations run this assembly. They work on many things, like government and growing their economies.
There are three groups that work under the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils:
| Organization | Focus |
|---|---|
| Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI | Provides shared services and programs for First Nations communities. They also offer advice to the First Nation Council. |
| L'nuey | Works to protect and carry out the Mi'kmaq Aboriginal and Treaty rights on PEI. |
| Epekwitk Development | Focuses on shared economic projects. They also help create ways for the First Nation to earn money. |
The Mi'kmaq Language
The traditional language of the Abegweit people is Mi'kmaq. For a time, this language was almost lost. However, the Mi'kmaq language is now taught in schools. Mi'kmaq culture is also a big part of many public events.
Abegweit First Nation Traditions
The Abegweit First Nation has important traditions and beliefs.
Guiding Principles
- "Netukulimk" - This principle means taking only what you need. It also means leaving enough for future generations.
This idea guided their daily life, including hunting and gathering. For example, the Abegweit Mi'kmaq people only pick certain berries. They believe resources are a gift. They use them carefully to make sure they last.
PowWow Celebrations
Every year, the Abegweit First Nation holds PowWows. These are special gatherings to meet and celebrate with others. Due to COVID-19, they couldn't hold their PowWows for two years. In 2022, they hosted a big one in Scotchfort. Many people joined this two-day event. It included traditional dances, songs, and rituals. One special dance is the Blanket Dance. This dance helps raise money for the celebration's costs.
How the Abegweit First Nation Grows its Economy
The Abegweit First Nation owns and runs several businesses. These include the Ultramar Epekwitk Gas Bar and a Robin's Donuts. They also have Red Stone Truck & Marine and a commercial fishing fleet. Other businesses include the Abegweit Biodiversity and Enhancement Hatchery. There's also the Abegweit Conservation Society, and Epekwitk Gardens & Preserves.
Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery
The Abegweit Biodiversity Enhancement Hatchery started in 2012. Its goal is to help the environment. The Hatchery works to protect brook trout and Alaskan salmon. These fish are raised at the facility. Fishing for fun is also a big part of the Abegweit First Nation's economy. It brings in a lot of money. To keep this income, they teach younger generations about the Hatchery's importance.
The Hatchery has grown a lot since it started. By 2022, it had released over a million fish back into streams. This process involves collecting fish eggs from rivers. The eggs are then cared for until they hatch. Once the fish are grown, they are released back into their original streams.
Community Economic Development Program
The Abegweit First Nation has a Community Economic Development Program (CEDP). This program helps the community grow through various services. These services include planning new projects and developing land and resources. The program also helps businesses partner with other groups.
