Wahgoshig

Community profile :

Nestled in a village near Matheson Ontario with a population of 234, the Wahgoshig First Nation reserve encompasses 19, 239 acres; the north end meets the south shore of Abitibi Lake, which divides North Eastern Ontario from North Western Quebec. Accessible from Highway 101, the village occupies 70 hectares of flat land adjacent to Blueberry Lake. West of the village the land becomes a perfect habitat for moose, bears, grouse and other game.

Lake Abitibi was the site of an important Hudson Bay Company Trading Post. The Lake Abitibi Algonquins, historically one band, are now composed of two communities. Wahgoshig (Ontario) and Pikogan (Quebec). The Post was located at a Point called Abitibi Matciteweiak located on the Quebec side of the lake.

The Abitibi Indian Reserve #70 is within the boundary of the Territory described by the James Bay Treaty (Treaty #9) signed on June 1, 1906. On June 18, 1986, the Ontario Band officially changed its name to Wahgoshig First Nation.