HISTORY
As with all territories in Canada, the Indigenous history in the Les Basques region predates the colonial one. What is now known as the MRC des Basques lies on the Mi'kma'ki and Wolastokuk territory, at the heart of the Wabanaki confederation. The Wolastoqiyik Washipukek community, as many Indigenous communities in the country, has suffered the negative impacts of colonialism since the arrival of European settlers.
Since the 1800s they have been displaced from their territory and spread out throughout “Quebec” and the “United States.” Today, they are recognized as part of one of eleven nations in the province. Wolastoqiyik Washipukek community members such as Édith Bélanger are working to further recognize Indigenous rights and starting initiatives to keep the Wolastoqey language alive.
Click on the image below to listen to the
podcast created by members of the les
Basques community about Indigenous issues
in the region.
Les Basques takes its name from its history tied to the European Basques region between southern France and Northern Spain. In the 16th century, Basque fisherman and tradespeople made their way through the Atlantic Ocean, down the Saint-Laurence River and moored their ships near the Ile aux Basques, located a few kilometers away from the town known today as Trois-Pistoles. The island served as a crossroad for exchange between the Basque people and the local Indigenous population. The European fishermen also hunted whales for their fat that was used to produce lamp oil for many cities in Europe.
Photos of l'ile aux Basques 1960.
In more recent history, Trois-Pistoles officially become a city in 1916 after centuries of functioning under the seigneurial system. The main economic activities in the region were agriculture, forestry and the dairy industry. In 1933, Western University located in London, Ontario started a French immersion program that is still active today, making it the oldest program of such in the country.
Photo of the sawmill Moulin
Beaulieu in Saint-Clément 1960.
Like many rural regions in Québec, the 1970s brought with it devitalization. The last saw mill closed its doors in 1977 leaving many residents unemployed. During this time, the city entered an economic decline as many residents left for bigger city centers to find employment.
Compare the pictures of Trois-Pistoles' dock from 1960 and 2021.
Listen as long standing residents Marie-France, Marie-Claude and Bernard talk about the changes in the region since their arrival to Les Basques in the 1970s and 1980s.
In the past 20 years, a wind of change has been felt in the MCR des Basques. Initiatives, like the environmental festival ÉchoFête and collective projects such as Le Récif, have brought with them new people ready to invest in the area and build on the strong foundations laid by the local residents.
Compare the pictures of L'auberge de la
rivière (1960) and Le Récif (2021).
