Gesgapegiag is one of two First Nations reserves on the south shore of the Gaspésie, most of whom are of Mi'gmaq ancestry. Most of the members reside on the federal Indian reserve that was set aside by the legislature of Lower Canada in 1853, for the exclusive use of the majority of Mi'gmaq in this region. The remaining Mi'gmaq live off-reserve in the eastern United States and across Canada, but stay connected to the community through modern communications and travel to. All community members, regardless of residence, participate in democratic elections held every four years to elect one Chief and eight Councillors in accordance with Canada's Indian Act Election Regulations. The community is also allied to other Mi'gmaq communities in the Gaspé region of Quebec and in northern New Brunswick. Together, their elected Chiefs advance ancestral claims to self-government and to the traditional territory called Gespe'gewa'gi ('Kespékewáki), the last land.
Gespe'gewa'gi is the Mi'gmaq Nation District that extends from the Miramichi River to the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, a land area that straddles the modern day Quebec/New Brunswick border. The First Nation is a strong advocate of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and aboriginal and treaty rights. Its main resource is the Atlantic salmon and other fruits of the waters and forests, including modern harvest of timber. Political representatives of the Mi'gmaq of Gesgapegiag and the greater district of Gespe'gewa'gi continue talks with the Government of Quebec over access to traditional lands.
The name Gesgapegiag, is the origin for the name of the Cascapédia River, as well as other nearby places carrying the name Cascapedia. Gesgapegiag is one of three Mi’gmaq communities on the south shore of the Gaspésie, with a local population of 695 with the remaining 797 live in the eastern United States and across Canada. Most community members, regardless of residence, participate in democratic elections held every four years to elect one Chief and seven Councillors in accordance with the First Nations Elections Act.
Our community is located 45 kilometres west of Bonaventure, on the north shore of Cascapédia Bay.
Year-round road access and located less than 50 kilometres from the nearest service centre.
We have many departments and services in place to serve our residents and visitors. Please contact the appropriate department or service.
The businesses in our community are an integral part of our area. Support your local businesses!
National Aboriginal Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. The day was first celebrated in 1996, after it was proclaimed that year by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc, to be celebrated on 21 June annually.
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