Lake Nemiscau, lake in Quebec, Canada
Lake Nemiscau is a large freshwater lake in northern Quebec within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. The Rupert River feeds the water and shapes it like a wide section of the river itself, while small islands and forested shores define its character.
The area has been significant for the Cree people for generations, who used it for hunting, fishing, and as a travel route. The official naming as Lake Nemiscau took place in 1982, though historical maps date back to the 1600s with varying spellings.
The name Nemiscau comes from the Cree language and means "place where fish are many". The local Indigenous community still visits and uses the area today, especially in summer months, maintaining their long-standing connection to these waters and lands.
The area is remote and best reached from Nemaska, located about 60 kilometers away. Summer months are ideal for visiting when the waters are ice-free and fishing or boating activities are possible.
On the north shore sits the old settlement of Nemiscau, once abandoned but now seasonally reoccupied by the Cree community as Vieux-Nemaska. This shows how local communities are reviving and preserving their traditional sites.
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