The word Eskasoni is derived from a Mi'kmaq word "We'kwistoqnik." Literally translated, this word means "where the fir trees are plentiful". Eskasoni was first charted by the Surveyor-General of Cape Breton in 1832. At that time, there were very few families living in the Eskasoni area, compared with the nearly 3000 residents of today. Two years later, in 1834, Eskasoni officially became a reserve, consisting of approximately 2800 acres of land.

During the 1800s there were many Native communities around Cape Breton. Eskasoni was at that time a relatively small, isolated community. According to census reports, in 1871 there were only 125 people living in Eskasoni. By 1891 the population of Eskasoni had declined to 80 residents. With such small population figures from 100 years ago, one might wonder how this community survived at all, let alone became the largest Native community in the Atlantic Provinces.

The primary reason for the extraordinary growth of Eskasoni occurred during the 1940s. In 1942 the Department of Indian Affairs introduced a policy to centralize Native people. In Nova Scotia, all Native people were to be relocated to two locations: Shubenacadie in mainland Nova Scotia, and Eskasoni on Cape Breton Island. The motives for this decision may have been acceptable, but the results were not good. While the population of Eskasoni did grow and the community became larger than it had ever been, there were problems.

Overcrowding, poor housing, substance abuse, and little or no economic opportunities for the residents were just some of the problems encountered in Eskasoni. Although the government promised aid and housing, there simply were not enough resources or houses to support the influx of people. Many Natives, after being relocated, felt a desire to return to their homes. To ensure this did not happen, Indian Agents would often destroy Native homes once they had been relocated to Eskasoni.

Click Here to View a Clip of Native Views on the Centralization Policy
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During the 1950s, Eskasoni, along with many other Native communities in Nova Scotia, began the process of taking control of their own affairs. A Band Council was established in 1958. This was a major step towards controlling their own community, but Eskasoni would take other steps as well.

This is the Eskasoni Band Office.
More recently the community has, in conjunction with other Native communities in the area, established the Unama'ki Native Police Force. The group handles policing matters within most Native communities around Cape Breton. Eskasoni also has its own school board and schools. Students may attend school from start to finish in the Eskasoni school system. Eskasoni has also recently opened its own health care clinic to deal with the medical needs of its residents. Eskasoni also has its own radio station, 94.1 FM, and its own cable television channel, Golivision. Both of these media help to promote local culture and talent, along with keeping the community informed of notices and upcoming events.

This is the recently completed Eskasoni Health Centre. With such a large, young, growing community the health care centre was greatly needed.