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Geographic location:

Located on the edge of the St. Lawrence River, the Betsiamites Reserve is 54 km southwest of Baie-Comeau and has a surface area of 255.4 km². The surrounding lands are part of the public domain.

Chief:

Raphaël Picard

Population in 2007:

3,570 people (including 775 outside the reserve).

Characteristics:

Betsiamites signed the Agreement-in-principle of a general nature in March 2004 as a member of the Mamuitun Tribal Council, but suspended its participation in the negotiation process in 2003. Since then, it has favoured other forums to assert its claims. Sixty-three percent (63%) of the population is under 35 years of age. The community is a leader in the promotion of the Innu culture and language. From an economic standpoint, it has expertise in the forestry field and is investing in the development of the recreational-tourism sector. The community has signed a partnership agreement with Hydro-Québec for the hydroelectric development of the Toulnustouc river.

Infrastructures:

Aside from the basic infrastructures found in most communities, Betsiamites has an arena and a vacationing centre.