
Rooted in the land.
Guided by the river.
MADAWASKA FIRST NATION

Madawaska First Nation is located along the sacred Wolastoq River near the Appalachian Mountain range. We are a proud Wolastoqiyik community with deep and enduring ancestral connections to this land and water. For generations, the Wolastoq has sustained our people physically, culturally, and spiritually, and it continues to shape our identity today.
A message from
Chief Patricia Bernard
Welcome to the Madawaska First Nation community website.
Madawaska has been home to the Wolastoqey people since time immemorial. Long before modern borders existed, this place was known as an important gathering area for our Nation and for the Grand Council of the Wolastoqeyik. When the boundaries of our reserve were formally established in 1787, they reflected a much older and deeper connection to this land, its waters, and its role in our governance, culture, and way of life.
Over the past twenty years, our community has experienced meaningful growth. Through determination, partnership, and careful planning, Madawaska First Nation has strengthened its local economy, expanded services, and created new opportunities for our members and for the region. This progress reflects the resilience of our people and our commitment to building a strong, sustainable future.
At the same time, we recognize the lasting impacts of colonization on our language and culture. Revitalizing Wolastoqey language, traditions, and knowledge is a priority for our community. We are working to reconnect with what was disrupted, to support cultural learning across generations, and to ensure that our identity remains strong and living.
This website is intended to be a place of connection, information, and shared understanding. Whether you are a community member, a visitor, or a partner, we invite you to learn more about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going together.
Woliwon.

Community
Snapshot