Gesgapegiag

The name Gesgapegiag, where the flow dissipates, is the origin for the name of the Grande Cascapedia River, as well as the Petite Riviere Cascapedia. Most of the members reside on land set aside by the federal Government by the legislation of Lower Canada in 1853, though no title was found in support of such an occupation, the Supreme Court, in Guerin vs The Queen (1984), confirms and defines the concept of ancestral rights. According to the judgement, the aboriginal title is “derived from the Indians’ historical occupation and possession of their tribal lands”, and exists independently of the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Thus, the title of ownership of old reserves like Gesgapegiag originates from the possession of the lands since time immemorial rather than from a transfer between governments.

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 Canadas’ Indian Act Election Regulations.

Some of the services provided in the community are; Health and Community Services, Early Childhood Center Daycare, Wejgwapniag School, Mi’gmaq Language, Family and Child Social Services, Gesgapegiag Police and Fire Department.

Community employment sector; salmon anglers outfitting and tourism, forestry, turbine generated electricity, local construction, inshore fisheries, traditional crafts and amusement centers.

Recent News

FNEC News Letter

FNEC News Letter MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, DENIS GROS-LOUIS Kwe, It’s already June and the school year is drawing to a close. I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight the extraordinary work of our teaching and school staff over the past year. Thank you all [...]

UNDRIP rights testimonials (Servey)

UNDRIP rights testimonials Please find attached a webpage link and a poster for the new community surveys! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/communityoutreach2 The poster has a QR code that makes it so anyone with a smartphone can access the survey on their phone when they are near the poster. Wela’lioq, [...]

Gesgapegiag Performing Arts Group

We would like to tell members of the community that the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag are bringing together people from Gesgapegiag and surrounding regions to participate in performing arts.   We will provide additional possibilities for the community to participate in creative activities such as theatre, music, storytelling, dance and etc. [...]

Communication resources for community health and safety – October update

Communication resources for community health and safety – October update English follows Ressources en matière de communication sur la santé et la sécurité communautaires L'automne est arrivé et c'est un bon moment pour organiser des réunions de famille et des retrouvailles. Voici quelques ressources qui pourraient vous [...]

Community Notice (Hunters)

Community Notice Due to the new sytstem, we were supposed to have installed at the form this year for butchery, unfortunately it won't be up and running for this season. Community works would like to inform all community hunteres that as of this year we will not [...]

Notice to Gasgusi lane for extension

Notice to Gasgusi lane for extension September 8, 2022 Subject:  Gasgusi Lane Project Gwe Community members, In order to achieve Chief and Council’s vision and goal to build 15 units per year for the next 5 years, we must first develop our community’s infrastructure plan and implement [...]

Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services New Hours

Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services New Hours The Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services and the Healing Lodge will have new operating hours as of September 06, 2022. New operation hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. [...]