Modules

The Nemaskau Eenouch have since time immemorial maintained a harmonious relationship with the Creator, His Creation and His provisions, in and around Nemaskau Sagaheegan (Nemaska Lake), lake where the fish are plentiful. It is by the Lake that they are called or call themselves the Nemaskau Eenouch, People from the Place of Plentiful Fish.

The Nemaskau Eenouch lived, fished, hunted and trapped in the area peacefully without much contact with the outside world. During their annual summer gathering at Nemaskau Sagaheegan the people would catch, smoke and preserve the numerous species of fish, which were very abundant on the Lake, especially sturgeon and whitefish.

• Prior to the arrival of European fur traders and missionaries there is not much that is known of the history of the Nemaskau Eenouch but there is evidence of their presence on the Lake which could date back to certain millennia
• These being the Petroglyphs or “rock art/paintings” found on a rock faces, on or near the Lake.
• During the Iroquois Wars, there were frequent visits by war parties and the Iroquois built a fort on an island on Nemaska Lake, the location has not yet been found but was mentioned in the journals of Father Charles Albanel.

1. The Hudson Bay Company, which had for so many years provided materials, supplies and non-traditional foods was finally closing its services which further “persuaded” the people to “abandon” their centuries’ old settlement, in 1970.
2. It was during this same summer Nemaskau Eenouch under duress moved from their original and ancestral home on the shores of Nemaska Lake
3. Where their ancestors since time immemorial practiced, maintained and survived through the traditional way of life and harmonious relationship and connection with the Lake.
4. They were relocated to the communities of Mistissini and Waskaganish.