Mi’kmaq around 1980

The sea and the mountains

Weltasualuleg [Welcome]

Southern Gaspé, where the Mi’kmaq live, is located very close to the Maritime provinces, so its climate and vegetation are similar to that of Maritimes. The climate, vegetation and fauna vary according to the different natural regions, altitude and whether you live on the coast or in the valley.

 

The mountain

In mountainous areas, there are boreal forests which have conifers. This is where moose and caribou live. In the Appalachian region, there is more rain and snow. While summer is warm, it’s short. Winter is rather harsh and long. If you come to Gaspésie, expect that there will be a lot of wind and fog.

 

The sea

Temperatures are usually higher in the south around the Baie-des-Chaleurs than they are on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and in the mountainous areas. The average temperature is -6° C to -17 ° C in winter. In summer temperatures vary from 10° C to 24° C.

The villages of Restigouche and Maria are located in the Baie-des-Chaleurs, where the waters are warmer. It has a microclimate: The temperature is warmer than in the northern part of the Gaspé Peninsula. In Gaspé, a municipality located at the tip of the peninsula bordered by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, bad weather is more frequent, and summer is cooler

Near the coast, there are mixed forests made up of coniferous and deciduous trees, including birch. Many varieties of birds nest on the shores of the peninsula, including the famous Bonaventure Island Gannet.

Many rivers cross the Gaspé Peninsula. These rivers are full of fish like salmon. Many species of fish and crustaceans can be found in the rivers and the Gulf. These waters are also home to marine mammals like whales, belugas and seals.

Author: Based on texts from the Récit de l’univers social.  Adapted with additions by LEARN.

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