Essipit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Essipit
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Indian reserve
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 Essipit
Location in Côte-Nord region, Quebec
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| Regional county | None |
| Formed | 1892 (reserve) |
| Area | |
| • Land | 1.13 km2 (0.44 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 310 |
| • Density | 274.5/km2 (711/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Postal Code |
G0T 1K0
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| Area code(s) | 418 and 581 |
| Website | www.innu-essipit.com |
Essipit is an Innu Indian reserve in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is located on the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in the Côte-Nord region. This area belongs to the Innue Essipit First Nation. Until 1996, Essipit was known as Les Escoumins.
The name Essipit comes from the old name of the Escoumins River. Around 1664, this river was called Esseigiou. Charles Arnaud, who lived with the Montagnais people for many years, said the river was also called Etshipi. This name means "river of shells."
Contents
History of Essipit
Early Days of the Innu People
The Innu people, also known as Montagnais, have lived in this area for thousands of years. They would often visit this place to gather berries. These berries grew on the rocks and in the mossy plains during the spring.
First European Records
Old reports from the Jesuits, called the Jesuit Relations, mentioned people in this region as early as 1611. They called them "Excomminquois." These reports said that the "Excomminquois" were enemies of the French. They were different from the Montagnais of the region, who were friends. It is thought that the "Excomminquois" might have been Mi'kmaq tribes. These tribes sometimes traveled from their home around Chaleur Bay to the North Shore of the Saint Lawrence Gulf.
Forming the Reserve
In 1863, about 40 Montagnais people were living near Escoumins. In 1881, a government official asked a surveyor named Elzéar Boivin to map out the land these people used. On July 23, 1892, the Canadian government bought this land. This is when the Réserve indienne des Escoumins (Escoumins Indian Reserve) was officially created.
Changes to the Name
The reserve's name has changed a few times. In 1994, it became Communauté montagnaise Essipit. This change was made official on June 7, 1996. Then, on August 7, 2003, the name changed again. It is now known as Innue Essipit.
Population of Essipit
Understanding Population Changes
The population of Essipit has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived on the reserve:
- In 2021: 310 people
- In 2016: 297 people
- In 2011: 268 people
- In 2006: 247 people
- In 2001: 258 people
- In 1996: 252 people
- In 1991: 237 people
The total population of the Essipit First Nation is 1,050 people. However, only 228 of these members live on the reserve itself.
