Maliotenam, also known as Mani-Utenam in Innu-aimun, is a vibrant First Nations reserve nestled in the province of Quebec. This community, located adjacent to the city of Sept-Îles, forms part of the Innu community of Uashat-Maliotenam along with Uashat, which is situated some distance away. Maliotenam is a part of the Manicouagan district, represented by Bloc Québécois MP Marilène Gill. With a population of approximately 1,600 people, this community is a hub of rich culture and history.
Maliotenam shares its administration with the nearby community of Uashat under the Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam. The governance structure consists of a chief, deputy chief, and five councillors, all elected by the members of the Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam community. The current chief is Mike Pelash McKenzie, with Antoine (Maniteu) Grégoire serving as deputy chief. The councillors are Jonathan St-Onge, Normand Ambroise, Dave Vollant, Kenny Régis, and Zachary Vollant.
Maliotenam is enclaved within the city of Sept-Îles, making it easily accessible by car via road 138. The nearest metropolitan city is Montreal, located more than 900 kilometres southwest of Maliotenam.
Despite its relatively small size of about 520 hectares, Maliotenam offers a variety of services. The community boasts a hospital, a supermarket, a youth centre, an arena, and more.
Maliotenam was established in 1949 by the Canadian Government, which aimed to encourage the vast Innu community to settle there. However, many Innu preferred to stay on the ancestral lands of Uashat, while others chose to settle in the village of Moisie. The mother tongue in Maliotenam is Innu, with French serving as the second language.
Traditional practices such as salmon fishing, bustard and caribou hunting, fur-bearing animal trapping, and beaver trapping continue to be integral parts of Innu life in Maliotenam. Many families still venture to the ancestral territories to engage in these traditional practices, preserving their culture and way of life.
The population of Maliotenam primarily speaks Innu, with French being the preferred second language.
The Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam community operates the Mani-Utenam health clinic within Maliotenam. The clinic provides a range of services, including nurse care, medical services, and maternal and child health. The health clinic is administered in concert with the clinic of Uashat.
Maliotenam is one of the communities administered by the Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, an Innu First Nation in Quebec, Canada. Based in Sept-Îles on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River, it owns the reserves of Maliotenam and Uashat. As of 2016, the band has a registered population of 4,608 members. It is run by a band council and is affiliated with the Mamuitun Tribal Council.
