Abegweit First Nation
Abegweit is a Mi'kmaq First Nations band government on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Its population numbers 183 people on reserve and 127 off-reserve. Under the band's membership codes, people who are registered under section 6(2) of the Indian Act are denied membership in the band. Under the band's election code, off-reserve members are not entitled to vote in band elections.
The name Abegweit is the widely known anglicization of Epikwetk, the original word taken from the Míkmaq language for Prince Edward Island.
The Abegweit First Nation comprises three reserves:
- Morell 2 (south of Morell)
- Rocky Point 3 (southeast of Cornwall)
- Scotchfort 4 (west of Mount Stewart)
The Abegweit First Nation is headquartered at Scotchfort, known as Skaqmk. This is the location of a historic Míkmaq portage route connecting Mimtugaak (on the Hillsborough River) to Kadotpichk (on Savage Harbour).
The 140 acre (54.6 hectare) Scotchfort Reserve 4 was created in 1879 and like all reserves on Prince Edward Island, was administered as part of the Lennox Island First Nation until separating in 1972. The Abegweit First Nation amalgamated the three reserves in the eastern part of the province in the 1990s.
Abegweit First Nation owns and operates a number of businesses, including an Ultramar Gas Station, a Robin's Donuts franchise, Red Stone Auto & Marine, and a small fishing fleet.
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Coordinates: 46°21′23″N 62°54′21.5″W / 46.35639°N 62.905972°W