Table of Contents
Gesgapegiag Band
Local Businesses
- Angelic Bakery
- Charlie's Garage
- Drum Workshop
- Handicraft
- Jerome's Canteen
- Lobster Hut
- Martin's Store
- Secondhand Store
- Segawaat
Recreation & Activities
- Migmag Village
- Youth Center
- Ball-field/Skating Rink
Church
- Changes in the church
Mawiomi
- Local Pow Wow
- Sundance
- Gatherings
- Ottawa Walkers
- Oka Crisis
- Idle No More
Early Childhood Center
- Beginning & Now
Medicines
- Animal
- Plants
- The Lazy Rabbit
- Where does the Indian come from?
- Gesgapegiag and Wagatasg
- The Fox and the Ladybug
Gesgapegiag History Book Volume 2
This site was created and updated for Gesgapegiag's history. It will enable you to have a better understanding of what Gesgapegiag has accomplished since the 1980's. All material in this book has been researched and interviews have been conducted to gain further knowledge of those who contributed to Gesgapegiag's achievements.
This site is dedicated to the to the great community of Gesgapegiag
Word from Chief Rod Larocque, Jr
On behalf of Chief and Council I want to state how very proud we are of the work being done to preserve this community’s proud history and culture. Knowing our history and celebrating our culture gives meaning to our lives and creates a stronger community.
I especially want to take this opportunity to thank the Education and Health departments for getting the funding for this second volume of Gesgapegiag history from the Canadian Heritage Department. And of course, thanks to the researchers and writers of this work.
As you can see from this volume, the number and variety of resources in this community has increased a lot since Volume 1. Thanks to the efforts of many: business people, Band departments, volunteers, our community is one to be proud of! Enjoy this little volume and we look forward to seeing Volume 3 in the near future!
1927 to 1930
Chief
Louis Martin
Council
William Vicaire
1936 to 1939
Chief
Abraham Martin
Council
Louis A Martin
1942 to 1945
Chief
J B Condo Sr
Council
Abraham Martin
Isaac Martin
1945 to 1948
Chief
J B Jerome
Council
J B Condo
Edmond Martin
1948 to 1951
Chief
Collin Gedeon
Council
??? Condo
J B Condo
1956 to 1958
Chief
Louis W Jerome
Council
Nicholas Caplin
Leonard Jerome
1958 to 1960
Chief
Collin Gedeon
Council
Albert Condo
Louis Jerome
1960 to 1962
Chief
Guy Condo
Council
Xavier Bernard
1964 to 1966
Chief
Guy Condo
Council
Mary Condo
John A Martin
1964 to 1967
Chief
Guy Condo
Council
Leonard Jerome
John A Martin
Theresa Condo
1967 to 1971
Chief
Leonard Jerome
Council
Albert Condo
Simon Condo
1971 to 1973
Chief
Leonard Jerome
Council
Maxime Martin
Francis Jerome
Harry Condo
1973 to 1975
Chief
Leonard Jerome
Council
Bernard Jerome
Francis Jerome
1977 to 1981
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Education
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Fisheries
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
GCDC
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
GHCS
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Health Services
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Housing Department
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Public Works
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Police Services
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Maecenas at justo mauris. Maecenas non odio facilisis, aliquet libero sit amet, consequat velit. Maecenas nec elit imperdiet, placerat massa at, condimentum dui. Sed ullamcorper venenatis urna eget ornare. Mauris blandit elementum massa nec cursus. Nulla dignissim nulla ipsum, nec rutrum enim rutrum suscipit. Vivamus a vehicula lacus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Pellentesque commodo ultricies arcu eu ultricies. Quisque malesuada augue consequat, varius nisl quis, commodo justo. Pellentesque ullamcorper velit et arcu elementum, ut posuere nunc iaculis. Curabitur at tortor nec justo consectetur mattis. Proin laoreet neque id justo sodales bibendum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin odio enim, varius eget turpis eget, varius venenatis nunc. Nulla eu ultricies odio. Quisque convallis varius elit. Duis porta elit lacus, vitae bibendum felis varius sit amet. Nullam consequat dapibus ipsum, sit amet pretium diam finibus ac. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec non tellus vitae diam malesuada lobortis. Proin nec tempor magna. Donec placerat ac ante volutpat iaculis. Donec et hendrerit urna.
Charlie's Garage
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean lobortis, quam ut porttitor accumsan, arcu orci mattis dui, sit amet pellentesque velit diam at dui. Fusce dictum vitae odio ut laoreet. Nunc ac tempus enim, non ultrices nisl. Fusce eros lectus, pellentesque nec blandit sit amet, accumsan sit amet purus. In interdum non mi at hendrerit. Proin
Stories
The Fox and the Ladybug
Once upon a time there was a Ladybug, and a Fox. They were best friends who lived on top of a tall mountain in Gesgapegiag.
On this mountain there were lots of trees, giant rocks, and a lake. It was a beautiful place to live.
The Ladybug and the Fox love to swim. They would swim in the mornings. Swim in the afternoons, and swim on every full moon night.
One day they wanted to do something different. They wanted to go on a treasure hunt. They had heard about a treasure box that was hidden at the bottom of the mountain. This treasure box was filled with chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, raisins, and some cedar. They were both very excited, because they both loved chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, raisins, and cedar.
The next day they woke up early in the morning. They packed up their gear, and set off for their adventure.
The first thing on the treasure map showed they had to swim across the lake. They were both tickled because they both loved to swim.
They swam, and swam, and swam as if they were in an Olympic race.
When they reached the other side. The map showed they had to climb down a hill. It was a long climb down, they were already pooped out from swimming across the lake.
As they made their way down the mountain. They found a waterfall. This waterfall looked like it was a thousand feet long like a giant water slide.
Before they jumped in the waterfall. They both looked at each other with great excitement knowing that this so far was the best adventure ever.
The Fox went down the waterfall first as the Ladybug watched the Fox scream, and laugh all the way down.
Then it was the Ladybugs turn. She took a few steps back to get a good running start. She ran, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her.
She jumped, and “SPLASH” water went flying everywhere. She screamed, and laughed all the way down.
When she reached the bottom, she saw they were surrounded giant green leaves. The leaves were five feet tall.
At first they both stood staring in amazement, and then they made a plan to make their way passed the leaves.
The Ladybug said “we could walk around them, but that would take the whole day”.
“Maybe we can jump from one leaf to another like a trampoline” said the Fox.
They both thought that was the greatest idea ever.
The Ladybug was the first to go. She climbed to the top of the leaf, and began to jump.
“Weeee… this is fun”, said she as she jumped from one leaf to another.
The Fox laughed, and mentioned how silly it looked.
Then it was the foxes turn to take a leap on the giant leaves. He took a step back, and ran as fast as he could. As soon as he reached the top he made the biggest jumps ever, and landed on one leaf to another. At one point he had jumped so high he was half way through the sky.
As a matter of fact they both jumped so high they ended up landing on top of a coconut tree.
“WOW… that was fun” they both replied from excitement.
On this coconut tree they met a new friend. It was a slithering Snake. The Fox, and the Ladybug decided to take a break from their treasure hunt, hang out with their new friend.
“Lets play a game of hide, and seek” said the Snake. So they did.
Their game didn’t last very long, because there weren’t many places to hide on top of a coconut tree. So they decided to continue on their treasure hunt, and invited the slithering Snake to join along.
They made their way down the coconut tree, and continued on through the woods.
When they made it to the other side, they meet another new friend. It was a Bear.
The Fox, and the Ladybug shared their adventures of the treasure hunt, and how they met the slithering Snake on the coconut tree, and invited the Bear to join in on their fun. Of course the Bear agreed to tag along.
But before they continue on, the Bear pulled out his stash of honey and had the biggest feast of dinner.
Their bellies were full, and they all took a nap before they continued on.
They Ladybug invited them to take a nap at her house but it was too small for everyone to fit in her tiny home. The slithering Snake also invited them to his place, but it was too small as well. So the Bear had an idea to build a house so everyone would fit. So they did.
One by one, piece by piece. They all worked together, and within an hour they built a beautiful house.
Everyone was all snuggled in bed, and took a long power nap. When it was time to wake up, they felt refreshed, and ready for the rest of their adventure.
It didn’t take long for everyone to get ready, and soon as they opened the front door. Not far from their cabin. They saw a giant red X on the ground. The Ladybug, and the Fox yelled, and laughed knowing it was the treasure box.
They all ran towards the giant red X, and began to dig. As soon as they found the treasure box they pulled it out of the ground. Everyone was filled with excitement.
When they opened the treasure box they found lots of chocolate ice cream, lots of chocolate chip cookies, and lots of raisins, and cedar. And in the box they also found a letter.
In the letter it read.
Dear Treasure Hunters.
You have found the treasure, and had the best adventure ever. You have shown your courage by swimming across the lake, sliding down the waterfall, and jumping across giant leaves. You have made new friends along your way through, and worked great together as a team. Not only finding this treasure. You also have found each other, and friendship is the greatest treasure ever.
P.S
Enjoy your feast, and enjoy the friendship you have created.
The End.
Acknowledgments from the Chief
Past Chiefs of Gesgapegiag
Gesgapegiag and Wagatasg
Many, many years ago there lived a group of Mi’kmaq along the shores of the Bay of Chaleur, in the region of the seventh district of the Mi’kmaq Nation.
The Mi’kmaq were known as Gesgapegiawag, or the wandering people, after years of nomadic life in search of land as foretold by the elders. They finally came upon this land of which a child had dreamt of and established a community on the estuary of the Gesgapegiag River, where the river widens and turns to salt. Their leader, Wagatasg, chose this area for its richness and beauty. It is a place which the Spirit has set aside for its children.
To the East, the land of the eagle and the rising sun, there are the medicines of sweet grass, muskrat root, tobacco and teas from various plants. There is also shellfish, whale, seal and other species.
To the South, the land of the turtle and mid-day, there is the warm salty bay, which Mi’kmaq have used for preserving foods for the winter months. More often salt from the bay was used as an antibiotic medicine. It is the direction from where the salmon, bass, eel and other water species come. Other species during the late part of summer can be seen such as the otter, geese, mallards and the turtle.
To the West, the land of thunder and of the setting sun, there is much to be had. The swampland provides us with plants of medicine, food and shelter. The medicine of the wetland consists of sweet-grass, cranberry, alder and other species. The food that the West provides is potatoes, corn, wheat and other grains, deer, elk and porcupine which were used for food, clothing and crafts. Cedar, spruce, juniper and poplar were also abundant.
To the North, land of the Bear: caribou, beaver, moose and other fur-bearing animals were also available to the Mi’kmaq.
The Gesgapegiag River was the main provider of the region for transportation in hunting, fishing and harvesting, for this is the place where maple trees provided maple sugar in the spring of the year, the black ash provided for baskets and snowshoe frames, birch provided bark for canoes, dwellings and household items such as cookware. The toboggan was also made of birch wood strips. Along the shores of the Gesgapegiag River the Mi’kmaq harvested foods such as fiddleheads, mint, hazelnuts and bush cranberries. Considering the northerly location, the climate is exceptionally mild during the year. The warm breeze of the bay to the south and the mountain range to the north influence the weather.
Wagatasg was a brave and wise Mi’kmaq leader of Gesgapegiag. Long before he was born, it had been prophesized by the elders that the day would come when a child would be born amongst the Mi’kmaq to teach and lead them.
It was said that there would be a sign on the day of the child’s birth: Mother Earth would close her eyes at noon and darkness would come over her, for a brief period, as if night-time.
One mid-summer day of the seventh month, the wisdom of the elders was revealed. First, at mid-day, came a heavy silence, as if all life had lost its voice. When the Mi’kmaq looked up to the sky they could see Grandmother Moon move toward the front of Grandfather Sun and cast her shadow over Mother Earth.
Witnessing the event, the elders of the community summoned the warriors and ordered them to build a sacred fire fitting for The Great Spirit. The elders of great vision offered medicines to the fire. Once the offering was complete, the elders told the Mi’kmaq that the day had come. Today, in the seventh wigwam they would witness the prophecy come true.
High upon the tall pine tree, as if in harmony, the raven spoke and a great eagle circling high above added his voice. At this time the Mi’kmaq heard the wail of a newborn child. As soon as it had begun, Grandmother Moon moved off to the west, allowing Grandfather Sun to again bless Mother Earth with his golden light. The Mi’kmaq rejoiced and feasted for seven days. Truly, the event that the elders had spoken of so long ago had come, just as they had predicted.
The seasons came and went and Wagatasg and the Mi’kmaq of Gesgapegiag enjoyed the bounty that Mother Earth provided for them. So it went for seven times eleven years and the Mi’kmaq knew that soon their brave warrior, Wagatasg, would leave on a great journey.
After the harvest, the Mi’kmaq prepared for the coming harsh winter months. Wagatasg would sit by the fire and share stories, songs, laughter and joy. One evening, as they sat around the fire, the people sensed that something was not right with Wagatasg, he was quiet and his mind was drawn to the sky. Wagatasg stood up and summoned his people to the fire. Wagatasg had mixed feelings of the message he had for the Mi’kmaq. With his soft trembling voice he informed his beloved people that his time had come, according to prophecy, to go on to the great journey of the spirit world. The Mi’kmaq remembered what the elders had told years ago: they must prepare for the long journey. It was told that on the seventh day of the eleventh month, their leader and the Mi’kmaq must travel north to the mountain and wait for a sign, as someone calling from the Skite’krnuju-awti (Spirits’ Road or Milky Way). As they approached the summit, they saw a great glare of light high in the sky. It flickered and danced, and radiated toward them. The Mi’kmaq gathered close and made a circle around Wagatasg to help for the journey.
Suddenly, a flash of light sliced through the night sky blinding everyone around Wagatasg. When their eyes recovered from the blinding flash, they realized that Wagatasg was no longer among them. He had gone to join the spirit of the night sky and is among the spirits we now know as the Wagatasg (Northern Lights).
Today, north of Gesgapegiag, there is a mountain known as Besge’ameneg, meaning, ‘a cut-off’ or ‘a short way’. If you were to look out your window toward the North, on the seventh day of the eleventh month, you will witness the dance of Wagatasg, the spirits of the sky, for Wagatasg is still watching over his people.
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Economic Development
1930 to 1933
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Anthony Martin
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Abraham Martin
1939 to 1942
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Robert Martin
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Lawrence Caplin
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1975 to 1977
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Bernard Jerome
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Douglas Martin
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Bernard Jerome
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Maxime Martin
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Angelic Bakery
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