Gesgapegiag facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gesgapegiag Indian Reserve
Indian Reserve
Mi'kmaq church on the Gesgapegiag reservation
Country	Canada
Province	Quebec
Region	Gaspésie– Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Population  (2021)
• Total	637
Highways	Route 132

Gesgapegiag is a special place in Quebec, Canada. It is one of two First Nations reserves located on the south shore of the Gaspésie peninsula. Most people living here are from the Mi'kmaq nation.

This reserve was set aside in 1853 by the government of Lower Canada. It was created for the Mi'kmaq people in this area to use as their home. Some Mi'kmaq people also live outside the reserve in places like the eastern United States and other parts of Canada. However, they stay connected to Gesgapegiag through modern ways like phone calls and visits.

Welcome to Gesgapegiag!

Gesgapegiag is a vibrant community where people work together. All community members, no matter where they live, can vote in elections. These elections happen every two years. They choose one Chief and eight Councillors to lead the community. This process follows rules from Canada's Indian Act.

The people of Gesgapegiag are also friends with other Mi'kmaq communities. These communities are found in the Gaspé region of Quebec and in northern New Brunswick. Together, their elected Chiefs work to protect their traditional ways of life. They also work to keep their right to govern themselves and care for their ancestral land.

Who are the Mi'kmaq People?

The Mi'kmaq are one of the many Indigenous groups who have lived in Canada for thousands of years. They have a rich history and culture. The Mi'kmaq people of Gesgapegiag are strong supporters of the rights of all Indigenous peoples in Canada. They believe in protecting their special rights given by treaties and their heritage.

Living in Gesgapegiag

The main natural resource for the people of Gesgapegiag is the Atlantic salmon. They also use other gifts from the waters and forests, like timber. The leaders of Gesgapegiag and the larger Mi'kmaq district called Gespe'gewa'gi often talk with the Government of Quebec. These discussions are about how the Mi'kmaq people can access and use their traditional lands.

How Gesgapegiag is Governed

The community of Gesgapegiag elects its leaders every two years. The Chief and Councillors work to make decisions for the community. They follow rules set out in the Indian Act. This helps ensure that the community is managed fairly and democratically.

The Land of Gespe'gewa'gi

Gespe'gewa'gi (which means Kespékewáki) is the traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq Nation. It stretches from the Miramichi River all the way to the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. This large area crosses the modern-day border between Quebec and New Brunswick. It is a very important place for the Mi'kmaq people, as it is their ancestral land.

What Does Gesgapegiag Mean?

The name Gesgapegiag is very old. It is actually where the name for the nearby Cascapédia River comes from. You might also see other places in the area with names similar to Cascapedia. This shows how important the Mi'kmaq language and history are to the region.

Gallery

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  Band office

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  Galgoasiet

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  Gas Station

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  Old Village

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  Old Village