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History.

Even before the French regime of Acadie, in l’Île Saint-Jean (present day Prince Edward Island) and in l’Île Royale (present day Cape Breton Island) – so to say, until the fall of Louisbourg in 1758 – the vast region of Chéticamp was unknown to history. There was no permanent establishment.
Meanwhile, we must point out that the Mi’kmaq regularly visited the area during fishing and hunting excursions. We give credit to the Mi’kmaq for the origin of the name Chéticamp. This word means “rarely full”. This is referring to the exit of the harbour, which before digging out of the channel, presented dry vast sandbanks called The Bar that low tide widened still more.

A Fishing Post

As early as 1752, the Robins – Les Jersais of Jersey Island operated a fishing post on the southern tip of Chéticamp Island. The Robin Company monopolized the fishing industry for almost a century.
Eventually, Acadian fishermen who escaped the 1755 Deportation, who settled here on a seasonal basis were hired. As well, this company recruited exiled Acadians to return from Europe, and work for them. For many of our Acadian ancestors, this was their only opportunity to return to their homeland of Nova Scotia, on ships provided by the Jerseys. Some of these Acadians arrived to work for the Robins and eventually established the permanent community of Chéticamp in 1785.

Fourteen Elders

In 1790, five years after the arrival of the first settlers, fourteen head of families from Chéticamp were given a charte in the names of all inhabitants granting them 7000 acres of land. They themselves divided these lands into the 26 families that inhabited Chéticamp. Finally, after more than 35 years, they would be settled on land that belonged to them. Further generations always referred to these petitioners of the 1790 charte as Les Quatorze Vieux (which translates to Fourteen Elders, even though their average age was only 47.) Several years later, the Province began granting land to Acadians living in Grand-Étang, Saint-Joseph-du-Moine and Margaree – now known as la grande région de Chéticamp.

Creation of a National Park

For many years, the primary industry in Chéticamp has been fishing. With the creation of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in 1936 and the Cabot Trail in 1932, this played an important role in the development of the tourism industry. Along with fishing, agriculture and arts and culture, tourism today is a vital component of economic development for Chéticamp and area.
Chéticamp is a beautiful Acadian village nestled at the foot of Cape Breton Highlands, where the mountains meet the sea. It is little wonder that this area attracted our forefathers to establish themselves and today, over 200 years later, true to the traditions and these brave ancestors, the people of Chéticamp, in spite of many hardships, remain courageous and enterprising, confident in their future.
- Rosie Grace
Discover interesting facts and first-hand accounts about Chéticamp.

Fun Fact

The Chéticamp Gypsum Mine Trail is well known for its magnificent views of a sparkling blue lake, surrounded by spectacular cliffs at the end of the hike.

Cathy Jones
Moved here from Niargara Falls, Ontario in 2021
What is something that you wish you knew before you moved here? 
"Knowing you need to be self sufficient. No access to city conveniences. Definitely needing a vehicle. Winter driving through the mountains for city access for medical/ dental and vet services."
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