Essipit

In 1892, the federal government bought a piece of land for the use of the Innu from Les Escoumins. This community neighbours the village of Les Escoumins. Since 1994, the community and the reserve are called Essipit, which means “the river of seashells”. On the shore of the Saint Lawrence River estuary, it is linked to route 138.

Phonetic: Es-si-pit

DEMOGRAPHY
Number of persons within the community: 175
Number of persons outside the community: 250
Total: 425

GEOGRAPHY
Territory Name: Essipit Reserve
Surface: 87.6 hectares (216.4 acres)
Localisation: The community is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, near the Baie des Escoumins, 40 kilometres northeast of Tadoussac.

POLITIC
Tribal Council: Mamuitun

ECONOMY
Economic activities are concentrated in the sectors of commercial fishing, marine food processing, tourism, accommodations, outfitters, construction, forestry, and arts and handicrafts.
There are approximately 15 businesses located on the reserve: arts and handicrafts, campground, hotel accommodations, whale-watching expeditions, convenience store, restaurant, gas station, recreation centre (bar, tennis, fitness, swimming pool, etc.)
Essipit's tourist businesses are world-renowned.

EDUCATION
No band school on the territory.

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURES
Fire protection: Provided by the municipality of Les Escoumins
Police services: Provided by the Aboriginal police force recognized under an agreement between the Band council, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec
Medical care: Health centre managed by the Band council under a transfer agreement with Health Canada.
Main community facilities: Regional radio station, community hall, bowling alley, pool hall, recreation centre, administrative centre and health centre, tennis courts, ball field, swimming pool, campground, outfitters' camp
Housing Units: 107

Statistics Canada (2006 Census)


  • Community
    4:34 min - The most modern community in the entire Innu nation.
    Aerial view of the community of Essipit
  • Introduction
    4:44 min - Captain Lévis Ross of Essipit introduces us to his friends the whales.
    Whales coming to the surface to breathe


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