Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Eagle Village-Kipawa
Enclaved within the municipality of Kipawa, 40 km north of Timiskaming, is the Algonquin community of Kebaowek, also known as Eagle Village. In 2016, the population tallied 274.
Kitigan Zibi
Previously called Maniwaki, Kitigan Zibi tallies 1,200 residents, making it the biggest Algonquin community in Canada. Kitigan means desert and zibi means river, delineating the territory between rivers Aigle and Désert.
Lac-Rapide
Almost 600 people live in the Anishnabe Algonquin village of Rapid Lake, found on the wildlife reserve of La Vérendrye. It is also the place of assembly for the Algonquins of Barriere Lake.
Lac-Simon
Officially established and recognized in 1962, the Algonquin Anishnabe community of Lac Simon is located approximately 32 kilometers from Val-d´Or in Abitibi. This young community tallies 2,100 inhabitants.
Pikogan
On the west bank of the Harricana River, only 3 km from Amos, you’ll find Pikogan—a young and thriving Algonquin Anishnabe community, also known as the Abitibiwinni First Nation. The population, who is mostly under the age of 18, speaks English, French and also Algonquin, the traditional language.
Timiskaming
This Algonquin Anishnabe community is located at the head of lake Timiskaming, near the Ontario border. Saugeen Anishinabeg means people of the river in Algonquin, referring to the geographical location of the community.
Long Point
On the south bank of the Winneway River, near Lake Simard, the Anishinabeg community of Long Point still adheres to a traditional way of life. They are deeply committed to the preservation of wildlife and natural resources. This community is mainly English-speaking.
Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake is an Algonquin Anishnabe community that is mainly English-speaking. Most of the 200 inhabitants live outside the community in neighbouring villages.
Kitcisakik
With only 300 people still living there, the Anicinapek community of Kitcisakik is located on the shores of Great Lake Victoria. Kitci means large, sakik means at the mouth, so Kitcisakik means by the large river mouth.
Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie
Gesgapegiag
Recognized since 1850, the Gesgapegiag community is established on the shore of Chaleurs Bay, at the mouth of the Cascapedia River. Its name means large river in Mi’gmaq. English is the language most widely spoken in the community.
Gespeg
Living in harmony with the nature that surrounds it, the Mi’gmaq community of Gespeg has permanently settled in Gaspé Bay since the 16th century. In Mi’gmaq, Gespeg means the land’s end.
Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk
The Maliseet of Viger First Nation, now known as the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, is right next to the municipality of Cacouna. The Maliseet have historically lived off fishing and hunting; their movements along the banks of the St. Lawrence following the seasons.
Eastern Townships, Montréal, Montérégie
Akwesasne
Founded in the middle of the 18th century by Mohawk families, this large community of 14,000 people straddles the Ontario and New York State border in Montérégie. Steeped in a rich history, the Akwesasne community was a pioneer in establishing the first Indigenous legal system.
Kahnawake
The Mohawk community of Kahnawake, which means place of rapids, is located on the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River. The community houses three national historic sites of Canada. The two languages spoken are Mohawk and English.
Kanesatake
Enclaved by the town of Oka, the small Mohawk community of Kanesatake is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and Lake Deux-Montagnes. It consists of more than 2,000 people, out of whom 1,350 live on-reserve.
Centre-du-Québec, Mauricie
Odanak
The Abenaki community of Odanak, which means in the village, is located in Centre-du-Québec, on the east bank of the Saint-François River. It is home to the oldest Indigenous museum and the first CEGEP dedicated to Indigenous education in Quebec. Tourism is an economic pillar that contributes to the preservation of culture and tradition.
Wôlinak
This Abenaki community, established near the Bécancour River, still values hunting, fishing and other traditional activities in nature. Wôlinak means the river with the long detours. In the 17th century, the Abenaki travelled up and down the river to access their winter hunting grounds in the vast forest.
Opitciwan
On the north shore of the Gouin reservoir, 280 km west of Roberval, lies the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan. The name means "current of the strait".
Wemotaci
In this Atikamekw community, the local economy is based on arts and crafts, forestry, outfitting and trapping. The Hudson’s Bay Company even used to have fur trading posts in the area. Most of the community members still speak Atikamekw as their first language. Atikamekw is the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Quebec.
Côte-Nord
Essipit
Essipit, which means river of shells, is an Innu community enclaved within the municipality of Escoumins in the North Shore. They have a community system built on ancestral traditions and an economy that leverages a diversified and complementary tourism offer.
Pessamit
The Innu community of Pessamit, which means place where there are lampreys, is located 50 km southwest of Baie-Comeau. The population speaks Innu-Aimun and the community is building a repository of Innu legends to pass them on to future generations.
Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
Close to Sept-Îles is the Innu community of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam. Nearly 4,608 people are members of this community which spans over two distinct territories, Uashat and Maliotenam. They speak mainly Innu-aimun and French.
Ekuanitshit
Across from the Mingan archipelago, where the Innu once hunted seal, is the Innu community of Ekuanitshit. Its name means where things run aground. The inhabitants speak French and Innu-Aimun, their ancestral language.
Natashkuan
Located on the shore of Natashquan River, the Nutashkuan community stands proud of its internationally recognized Atlantic salmon fishing. Key economic activities include arts and crafts, trapping and tourism.
Unamen Shipu
Accessible by plane or boat in winter, this community of the Lower North Shore has about 1,200 inhabitants (around a thousand Innu, and the rest being Maliseet and non-Indigenous people). This community was one of the last nomadic Indigenous groups in North America and is now sedentary.
Pakua Shipi
More than 500 kilometers from Sept-Îles, is the Innu community of Pakua Shipi which means river with sandbanks in Innu-Aimun. Until recently, the nomadic Innu traveled inland along the St. Augustine River to fish, hunt or trap salmon, trout and fur-bearing animals that are plentiful in the region.
Matimekush
The Innu community of Matimekush, which means small trout, is enclaved by the town of Schefferville in the North Shore. The main language spoken is Innu-Aimun, followed by French. Hunting and fishing are important activities given the abundance of the wildlife.
Kawawachikamach
This Naskapi community is in the North Shore administrative region, on the border with Newfoundland and Labrador. The inhabitants maintain a very traditional way of life and practice hunting, fishing, and trapping for sustenance. It is the only Naskapi village in Quebec.
Eeyou Istchee Baie-James
Mistissini
Over 4,500 people live in the Cree community of Mistissini on the southeast shore of Lake Mistissini, which is Quebec’s largest natural lake. Its name means big rock and originates from the giant rock that has served as a landmark for several generations. The community offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Eastmain
Eastmain’s Cree community is the smallest Indigenous community, in terms of population, located along James Bay. It is found at the mouth of Eastmain River. The Cree name of the village, Wapan Tauw, means lands east of James Bay.
Chisasibi
The last Cree community accessible by car, Chisasibi is located near the south bank of the La Grande River. The community was originally on nearby Fort George Island. Nowadays, a cultural festival is held on this island.
Nemaska
Capital of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee and seat of the Cree Nation government, this community is located west of Lake Champion, between Lake Mistassini and James Bay. The community was initially based on the shores of Lake Nemaska near the Rupert River, but historical changes led to its relocation. The community members still speak Cree.
Oujé-Bougoumou
The community of Oujé-Bougoumou, which means the place where people gather, has won a UNESCO award for its sustainable development that leverages traditional architecture. It is also known for the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute.
Waskaganish
A crucial bird migratory site, this small Cree community, established 350 years ago, is located on the banks of the Rupert River. It hosts an important annual event where visitors can observe traditional fishing practices.
Waswanipi
This Cree community is located near the confluence of the Opawica, Chibougamau and Waswanipi rivers. It is the southernmost Cree community in Quebec and the inhabitants speak Cree, English and French.
Wemindji
This Cree community, which owes its name to the Cree word for painted hills or ocher mountains, is set amidst a magnificent landscape. From Wemindji, one can easily explore the nearby coastal islands and observe northern wildlife such as seals, migratory birds and belugas.
Whapmagoostui
Whapmagoostui, which means place of the beluga in Cree, is the northernmost Cree village in the Eeyou Istchee territory, at the mouth of the Great Whale River on the coast of Hudson Bay in Nunavik. The community neighbours the Inuit of Kuujjuarapik.
Nunavik
Akulivik
This is game country. Nestled at the mouth of IIIukotat River, the northern village of Akulivik strives on hunting. Inuktitut is the first language of this community straddled along the far reaches of Hudson Bay.
Aupaluk
Located on the south shore of Hopes Advance Bay, Aupaluk is the smallest community in Nunavik and the first northern village of the Canadian Arctic to be planned by the Inuit. Aupaluk means where the earth is red as it is found on ferruginous grounds that are great for hiking.
Inukjuak
This village is near Hudson Bay, on the north bank of Innuksuk River. Inukjuak, which stands for the giant in the Inuktitut language, is known for its clear blue waters and rapids. The Inuit community can only be reached by plane or boat.
Ivujivik
Ivujivik is the northernmost settlement in the province. No roads go up there and it is an important nesting site for one of the biggest thick-billed murre colonies. Ivujivik means place where ice accumulates because of strong currents.
Kangiqsualujjuaq
This is the easternmost Inuit village of Nunavik, 25 km from Ungava Bay, at the mouth of George River. Kangiqsualujjuaq is a destination for spectacular scenery due to its vicinity to several national parks. Its name means very large bay in Inuktitut.
Kangiqsujuaq
Just 10 km from the Hudson Strait, on the southeastern shore of Wakeham Bay, are located the Inuit of Kangiqsujuaq who fish for mussels in winter by piercing holes in the sea ice where the bay is shallow. Kangiqsujuaq is home to the Pingualuit National Park where there is a meteoritic crater filled with clear blue water.
Kangirsuk
The village of Kangirsuk, located on the north bank of the Arnaud River, is surrounded by a rocky cliff in the north and by a large hill in the west. There are many lakes and rivers in the region and mussel fishing in the Arnaud River is a common practice.
Kuujjuaq
Kuujjuaq, which means the great river, is the foremost and most widely known of Nunavik’s Inuit communities. It is situated on the west bank of the river, 50 km from Ungava Bay. Every August and September, the migratory caribou of the George River herd pass by.
Kuujjuaarapik
Of Nunavik’s 14 northern villages, Kuujjuarapik is the most southeastern one. The people in the community mostly speak Inuktitut followed by English. Kuujjuarapik means little great river in Inuktitut, the Inuit language.
Puvirnituq
This Inuit village lies 4 km from Puvirnituq Bay, on the north bank of the river bearing the same name. Most of the people speak Inuktitut. In autumn, migratory caribou from the Leaf River herd tread along in the vicinity for several days.
Quaqtaq
The Inuit community of Quaqtaq is located on Diana Bay, called Tuvaaluk in Inuktitut, on a peninsula that extends into Hudson Strait. Diana Bay is full of terrestrial and marine mammals: fish and other seafood such as mussels and scallops.
Salluit
The northern village of Salluit holds a strategic situation as the meeting place for the 14 Inuit communities of Nunavik. Salluit is surrounded by mountains averaging 500 m in height. From the fjord of Salluit, the resilient flora and fauna of the North can be observed.
Tasiujaq
Tasiujaq is a lakeshore northern village next to Leaf Lake at the head of Deep Harbour. The surrounding waters are known to yield exceptional Arctic char. The Leaf Basin lies north of the tree line where shrub tundra gives way to arctic tundra. The tides there can be fifteen meters high or more.
Umiujaq
The village of Umiujaq is 15 km west of Lake Tasiujaq, along the banks of Hudson Bay. The name means which resembles a boat and refers to the geographical landmark of a hill that looks like an overturned umiak (traditional boat). Inuktitut is the first language in the community.