Natashquan

Natashquan is a municipality in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada, on the north shore of the Gulf of St.

Natashquan is a municipality in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada, on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is located on both sides of the Petite rivière Natashquan and is known as the birthplace of Quebec poet and singer Gilles Vigneault. The name also refers to the adjacent Innu reserve of Nutashkuan, a distinct community at the mouth of the Natashquan River.

Geography

Natashquan is a coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in eastern Quebec. It is situated near Aguanish and about 120 km east of Havre-Saint-Pierre.

History and naming

The municipality's name comes from the Innu language and refers to bear hunting. The name has also been recorded in variants such as Nutashkuan.

Demographics

Natashquan had a population of 262 in the 2021 census. It is a small community by provincial standards, with a low population density relative to its area.

Culture and recognition

Natashquan is notable as the birthplace of Gilles Vigneault, one of Quebec's best-known singer-songwriters and poets. This association has made the community recognizable well beyond the region.

Relationship to Nutashkuan reserve

The adjacent Innu reserve of Nutashkuan is a separate community located near the mouth of the Natashquan River. The municipality and reserve are distinct administrative entities.