Wôlinak, Quebec, is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Abenaki First Nations. Nestled in the Centre-du-Québec region, this reserve is an enclave within the city of Bécancour and was once part of the Seven Nations of Canada.
The Wôlinak Reserve spans an impressive 80.4 hectares. It is situated on lots 488, 489, 574, 580 (part), 581 (part), and 582 (part) of the parish of Notre Dame de la Nativité de Bécancour in the seigniory of Bécancour. The reserve is beautifully located alongside the Bécancour River, just 20 kilometres southeast of Trois-Rivières.
The history of Wôlinak, Quebec, dates back to around 1600 when a few Abenaki and Sokokis families established themselves on the Puante river, later renamed the Bécancour River. The community grew from 600 inhabitants but faced a decline due to wars and epidemics.
The land title history of the Wôlinak Reserve began on April 30, 1708, when Pierre Robineau donated a part of the Bécancour seigniory to the Abenakis. The overall area of land allotted to the different tribes residing in Lower Canada would not exceed 230,000 acres, as authorized by the 14-15 Victoria, chapter 106 (Statutes of Canada) on August 30, 1851.
On June 8, 1853, John Rolph, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, proposed a distribution list of lands set apart according to the 1851 Act, allotting the Indians of Bécancour an area of 2,000 acres. This distribution list was approved by the Governor General in Council on August 9, 1853.
Over the years, the land of Wôlinak, Quebec, has seen several transactions and developments. On November 17, 1913, the Government of Canada sold a portion of lot 582 to the Quebec, Montreal & Southern Railway Company for railway construction. However, the government repurchased this land on January 14, 1946, and authorized its payment out of the Band's funds on May 29, 1946.
On January 18, 1972, the Government of Canada added the lands repurchased on January 14, 1946, to the territory of the Bécancour Indian Reserve through Order in Council 1972-28. The government also sold a portion of lot 582 to the Canadian National Railway Company through letters patent on April 28, 1972.
On September 19, 1972, the Government of Canada purchased a portion of lots 580 and 581 from the Canadian National Railway Company. These lands were added to the territory of the Bécancour Indian Reserve through Order in Council 1973-2946 on October 4, 1973.
On June 30, 1983, the Bécancour Indian Reserve changed its name to the "Wôlinak Indian Reserve." Today, Wôlinak, Quebec, is home to the Abenaki First Nation, which has preserved its traditional way of life while embracing modernity. This unique blend of the past and present makes Wôlinak a fascinating destination for those interested in history, culture, and the resilience of the First Nations people.
