La Romaine, Quebec facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Romaine
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First Nations reserve
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 La Romaine
Location in Côte-Nord region, Quebec
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Côte-Nord |
| Regional county | none |
| Formed | 1956 |
| Area | |
| • Land | 0.88 km2 (0.34 sq mi) |
| Population
(2022)
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| • Total | 1,165 |
| • Density | 1,153.6/km2 (2,988/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00 (AST) |
| Postal Code |
G0G 1M0
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| Area code(s) | 418 and 581 |
La Romaine, also called Unamenshipit in the Innu-aimun language, is a special area for the Innu First Nations people. It is located in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada. This reserve sits at the mouth of the Olomane River, right on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The community is home to the Unamen Shipu band of the Innu people. Even though it's surrounded by another area called Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent, La Romaine has its own separate government. Next to the reserve, there is a small community of French-speaking people also called La Romaine.
You can only reach La Romaine by boat or by flying into the La Romaine Airport. The community has important services like a health clinic, a local radio station, an arena, and a community center. It also has its own water and sewer system, a fire station, and a police force run by Indigenous people.
The name La Romaine comes from the French version of the Innu word Ulaman. Over time, this place has had many names, like Fort Romaine and Olomanshibu. Most of these names come from the Innu words Unaman Shipu. This means "vermilion" or "red ochre river." This is because red ochre deposits are found along the banks of the Olomane River.
Contents
History of La Romaine
Early Life of the Innu People
For a very long time, the Innu people lived a traditional life. They would spend their winters hunting inland. In the summer, they would gather at the mouth of the Olomane River. This was a special place for them.
European Arrival and Trading
Around 1710, French traders set up a fishing and trading post here. This post was later taken over by different companies. First, the Labrador Company ran it in 1780. Then, the famous Hudson's Bay Company took over in 1822.
Around 1850, French Canadians from other parts of Quebec started to settle in the area. Many smaller trading spots were closed. People then moved to live closer together in La Romaine. The local post office opened in 1886.
Changes in Lifestyle
The trading post closed in 1925. The Innu people of the Lower North Shore were among the last Indigenous groups in North America to live a nomadic life. This means they moved from place to place. They were skilled at making birch bark canoes. They traveled by canoe or snowshoe.
However, as they had more contact with European settlers and the market economy, the Innu began to settle down permanently. This changed their traditional way of life.
Establishing the Reserve
On March 11, 1955, the Government of Quebec sold some land to the Canadian federal government. On May 31, 1956, the Romaine reserve was officially created. More land was added to the reserve in 2001. This extra land had been bought in 1993.
Population and Community Life
Who Lives in La Romaine?
As of May 2022, the Innu band had 1,243 members. Most of these members, about 1,165 people, live in the La Romaine community. There are 262 homes where people live regularly.
Languages Spoken
The main language spoken by almost everyone on the reserve is the Innu language.
- English is the first language for 0% of residents.
- French is the first language for 1.6% of residents.
- Both English and French are the first language for 0% of residents.
- Other languages (mostly Innu-aimun) are the first language for 98.4% of residents.
Economy and Jobs
The local economy in La Romaine is based on a few main activities. Many people work in arts and handicrafts, creating beautiful traditional items. Trapping animals for furs is also important. Some businesses focus on outfitters and tourism, helping visitors explore the area.
Other businesses on the reserve mostly serve the community. These include more arts and handicrafts shops and a convenience store for daily needs.
Education in La Romaine
There is one school in the community called École Olamen. This school teaches students from pre-Kindergarten all the way up to Secondary grade 5. In the 2008-2009 school year, 292 students attended École Olamen.
