Kawawachikamach, Quebec facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kawawachikamach
ᑲᐛᐛᒋᑲᒪᒡ
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Naskapi reserved land
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 Kawawachikamach
Location in Côte-Nord region, Quebec
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| Country |  Canada |
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| Province |  Quebec |
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| Region | Côte-Nord | |
| RCM | None | |
| Constituted | September 10, 1981 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 41.20 km2 (15.91 sq mi) | |
| • Land | 32.51 km2 (12.55 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 641 | |
| • Density | 19.7/km2 (51/sq mi) | |
| • Pop (2016–21) |  6.7% |
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| • Dwellings | 203 | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Postal code(s) |
G0G 2Z0
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| Area code(s) | 418 and 581 | |
Kawawachikamach (pronounced Kah-wah-wah-chee-kah-mach) is a special community in Quebec, Canada. It is a Naskapi/Iyiyiw First Nations reserve. The name means "the winding river" in the Naskapi language.
This community is located at the south end of Lake Matemace. It is about 15 kilometers northeast of Schefferville. The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach lives here. The village itself was built by the Naskapi/Iyiyiw people between 1980 and 1983.
The language spoken in Kawawachikamach is Iyiyiw-Imuun. This language is a dialect very similar to Innu and Iynu (East Cree).
You can reach the village by flying to Schefferville Airport. Another way is by train from Sept-Îles to Schefferville. From Schefferville, it's a 15-kilometer road trip to Kawawachikamach. Today, Kawawachikamach and Matimékush are the main communities in this area. This is because Schefferville is no longer a big center for iron ore mining.
The community has many services. Telephone and mail services come from Schefferville. Electricity is provided by the Schefferville Power Company. The Naskapi/Iyiyiw people have their own police services. Sichuun offers Internet, phone, cell, and TV services. There is also a community radio station, a health center, a recreation center, and a gym.
Contents
Understanding Legal Status
Kawawachikamach has a special legal status. It is a Naskapi Reserved Land. This means it is a specific area of land set aside for the Naskapi people. The Canadian government oversees this land.
There is also a separate Naskapi Village Municipality with the same name. This municipality is under the provincial government of Quebec. It is located some distance north of the reserved land.
Reserved Land vs. Village Municipality
It can be a bit confusing because both have the same name.
- The Naskapi Reserved Land is where all the people live. It is south of the 55th parallel. This land is within the Caniapiscau Regional County Municipality.
- The Naskapi Village Municipality has no people living in it. It is used only by the Naskapi for activities like hunting. This municipality is north of the 55th parallel. It is within the Kativik Territory.
The Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place name commission) calls the Reserved Land a "Naskapi village." They call the other area a "Naskapi village municipality." This helps tell them apart. But it's good to remember that the "village" is where the Naskapi community actually lives.
Community History
The Naskapi people of Kawawachikamach have a long history. They originally lived in northern Quebec. However, they had to move several times over the years.
Moves and Challenges
- In 1956, they moved from Fort Chimo to Schefferville.
- Government officials may have told them to move, but they did not prepare for their arrival.
- The Naskapi settled near the airport in small shelters made from found materials.
- Later, Schefferville authorities moved them again. This time, it was to a place called John Lake.
- At John Lake, they lived in very difficult conditions. They had no running water, sewage, electricity, schools, or medical care.
- In 1968, the Matimekosh Reserve was created. The Naskapi moved there in 1972, along with the Innu people.
Establishing Their Own Reserve
In the 1970s, the Naskapi began talking with the government. They wanted to settle their land claims. In 1978, they agreed to give up their rights to the Matimekosh Reserve. This was a step towards getting their own reserve.
This agreement led to the Northeastern Québec Agreement. As part of this, 41.44 square kilometers of land were given to the Canadian government. This land was specifically for the Naskapi band in 1981. By 1983, the first people moved into the new village. This village was built to suit the local environment.
Population and Demographics
As of May 2022, the Naskapi band had 797 members. About 691 of these people live in the Kawawachikamach community.
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Kawawachikamach has grown steadily:
- In 2021, the population was 641. This was a 6.7% increase from 2016.
- In 2016, there were 601 people. This was a 2.6% increase from 2011.
- In 2011, the population was 586. This was a 3.0% increase from 2006.
- In 2006, there were 569 people.
- In 2001, the population was 540.
- In 1996, there were 487 people.
- In 1991, the population was 405.
There are 194 homes occupied by people who live there regularly. In total, there are 203 homes in the community.
Languages Spoken
Most people in Kawawachikamach speak a language other than English or French as their first language.
- English is the first language for 2.6% of the people.
- French is the first language for 1.8% of the people.
- No one reported both English and French as their first language.
- Other languages (mostly Naskapi) are the first language for 95.6% of the people.
Local Economy
The economy in Kawawachikamach is based on several activities. These activities help the community thrive.
Main Economic Activities
- Arts and Handicrafts: Many people create and sell traditional art and crafts.
- Trapping: Trapping animals for their furs is an important traditional activity.
- Tourism: Visitors come to experience the culture and nature of the area.
- Outfitters: These businesses help tourists with outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
- Construction: Building and maintaining structures in the community provides jobs.
- Transport: Services related to moving goods and people are also part of the economy.
The Naskapi people are also working on big projects. These projects help the community in many ways. They include:
- Maintaining roads and runways.
- Developing hydro-electric power facilities.
- Managing caribou hunting and fishing operations.
