Micmac (Mi’kmaq)

Québec is home to about 7,816 Mi’kmaq, which are split into three groups. On the Gaspé Peninsula, the community of Listuguj is located at the mouth of Rivière Restigouche, while the community of Gesgapegiag is at the mouth of Rivière Cascapedia, near the municipality of Maria. Some 1,811 Mi’kmaq belong to the Gespeg band, who do not have a reserve and live mainly in Gaspé and Montréal.

Explore the interactive map to access detailed information about the various Indigenous nations and communities throughout the territory of Quebec.

The Mi’gmaq language (Mi’kmawi’simk) is taught at school and is spoken by many members of the Listuguj and Gesgapegiag communities. English is the second language. The Mi’kmaq of Gespeg mostly speak French, and more and more young members know both French and English.

One of the characteristics of Mi’kmaw culture is its adaptation to activities related to off-shore fishing. In particular, the Mi’kmaq developed the art of building boats for this style of fishing. At the end of the 18th century, following major socioeconomic changes in Gaspésie, many Mi’kmaq became lumberjacks, labourers and construction workers. However, fishing is still part of Mi’kmaw social and economic life.

In 2001, the three Mi’kmaw communities joined forces to form a political and administrative organization, the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, so as to offer shared services and forge ties with non-Indigenous partners, particularly in the fishing and forestry sectors.

Thanks to deep-sea fishing, the Mi’kmaq derive part of their livelihood from marine products. Salmon fishing has always been a part of their way of life. Since 1982, the community of Listuguj has benefited from an agreement related to practising salmon fishing. For their part, the Mi’kmaq of Gesgapegiag, alongside non-Indigenous partners, oversees the Society of the Cascapedia Salmon Fisheries. This partnership provides some 30 jobs related to salmon fishing activities on the world-famous river.

For many generations, ash and sweetgrass basketry have been the specialty of the Mi’kmaq. The community of Gesgapegiag has a craft cooperative whose products are sold in Canada and the United States. The members of the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gespeg are active on several levels. They have developed a community centre in Pointe-Navarre and have built a Mi’kmaq cultural interpretation centre. In 2001, the three Mi’kmaq communities formed the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, a political and administrative body. Its mandate is to:

• Plan the delivery of shared services
• Develop partnerships with non-Indigenous people, particularly in the fishing and forestry sectors
• Coordinate the negotiation of agreements on behalf of the nation

The Micmac nation live in harmony with their environment. They hunt and fish responsibly, in a way that respects animals and traditions. Forest guardians are committed to maintaining the balance between humans and nature—a value handed down through the generations.

From an early age, members of the community learn traditional arts, such as making moccasins, dreamcatchers and belts with nature-inspired designs. These skills strengthen their cultural identity and community ties.

Based on movement and connection to the living world, the Micmac language reflects a vision of a constantly evolving world. It also embodies a deep relationship with nature and others.

Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Listuguj welcomes visitors warmly. Its authenticity, vibrant culture and connection to the land leave a deep impression on the hearts of those who get to know it.

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