Abegweit First Nation

Reserves

The Abegweit First Nation comprises the following reserves:

Community Area Location Date established
Morell 2 83 hectares (205 acres) 38.4 km. northeast of Charlottetown 1846
Rocky Point 3 3 hectares (7 acres) south of Charlottetown harbor October 3, 1913
Scotchford 4 54.6 hectares (135 acres) 24 km. northeast of Charlottetown prior to 1867

History

The Abegweit First Nation was established on March 7th, 1972.[1] The name Abegweit is the widely known Anglicization of Epekwitk, the original word taken from the Míkmaq language for Prince Edward Island.

The 135 acre (54.6 hectare) Scotchfort Reserve 4 was created in 1879 and like all reserves on Prince Edward Island, was administered as part of the Lennox Island First Nation until separating in 1972.[1] The Abegweit First Nation amalgamated the three reserves in the eastern part of the province in the 1990s.

Government

Abegweit is a custom band that is governed by 1 Chief and 3 Councillors that are elected every 4 years.[2] The current chief is Roderick Walter Gould Jr..[2][3] Its population numbers for the three communities as of 2020 were 232 people on reserve and 156 off-reserve.[3]

The Abegweit First Nation is headquartered at Scotchfort, known as Skaqmk. This is the location of a historic Míkmaq portage route connecting Mimtugaak (on the Hillsborough River) to Kadotpichk (on Savage Harbour).

Economic development

Abegweit First Nation owns and operates a number of businesses, including Ultramar Epekwitk Gas Bar, a Robin's Donuts franchise, Red Stone Truck & Marine, and a commercial fishing fleet. Abegweit First Nation also houses Abegweit Biodiversity and Enhancement Hatchery, Abegweit Conservation Society, Abegweit Band Charities Inc and most recently, Epekwitk Gardens & Preserves.

References
  1. "Community Profile – Abegweit". Retrieved 2022-03-02.
  2. "Chief and Council – Abegweit". Retrieved 2022-03-02.
  3. "Mi'kmaw Bands in Prince Edward Island". Cape Breton University. Retrieved 2022-03-02.


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