Located in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Obadjiwan-Fort-Témiscamingue National Historic Site witnessed the presence of the Indigenous people about 6,000 years ago and was the scene of commercial rivalries. This former fur trading post is at the heart of regional history and is well worth a visit.
In the Algonquin language, Obadjiwan refers to the narrowest point of the strait south of Lake Temiscamingue. The French authorities allowed a fur trade post to be built here in 1720. Fort Témiscamingue was built to take advantage of the prime fur trapping areas in the upper Outaouais and Hudson Bay watersheds to meet the demand in the “old country.” Merchants relied on the expertise of Indigenous communities, such as the Anishinaabe, who had established extensive communication and trade networks there for thousands of years. This small point of land, where giants of the fur trade such as the North, North West and Hudson’s Bay Companies were established, left a lasting mark on the history of the area.
Travel from post to post! Visit the permanent exhibition in person or virtually at Obadjiwan-Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site.
