Abegweit First Nation facts for kids
Abegweit is a Mi'kmaq First Nations band government on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Contents
Reserves
The Abegweit First Nation comprises the following reserves:
| Community | Area | Location | Date established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morell 2 | 83 hectares (205 acres) | 38.4 km. northeast of Charlottetown | 1846 |
| Rocky Point 3 | 3 hectares (7 acres) | south of Charlottetown harbor | October 3, 1913 |
| Scotchford 4 | 54.6 hectares (135 acres) | 24 km. northeast of Charlottetown | prior to 1867 |
History
The Abegweit First Nation was established on March 7, 1972. The name Abegweit is the widely known Anglicization of Epekwitk, the original word taken from the Míkmaq language for Prince Edward Island.
The 135 acre (54.6 hectare) Scotchfort Reserve 4 was created in 1879 and like all reserves on Prince Edward Island, was administered as part of the Lennox Island First Nation until separating in 1972. The Abegweit First Nation amalgamated the three reserves in the eastern part of the province in the 1990s.
Government
Abegweit is a custom band that is governed by 1 Chief and 3 Councillors that are elected every 4 years. The current chief is Roderick Walter Gould Jr. Its population numbers for the three communities as of 2020 were 232 people on reserve and 156 off-reserve.
The Abegweit First Nation is headquartered at Scotchfort, known as Skaqmk. This is the location of a historic Míkmaq portage route connecting Mimtugaak (on the Hillsborough River) to Kadotpichk (on Savage Harbour).
Economic development
Abegweit First Nation owns and operates a number of businesses, including Ultramar Epekwitk Gas Bar, a Robin's Donuts franchise, Red Stone Truck & Marine, and a commercial fishing fleet. Abegweit First Nation also houses Abegweit Biodiversity and Enhancement Hatchery, Abegweit Conservation Society, Abegweit Band Charities Inc and most recently, Epekwitk Gardens & Preserves.
