The name "Chéticamp" derives from the name given by the Mi'kmaqFirst Nations, who still live on Cape Breton Island. The name is Awjátúj in the Micmac language, meaning "rarely full", presumably making reference to the mouth of Chéticamp harbour that once had a large dune that grew during low tide. The French spelling of the town's name went through several variations including Ochatisia, Ochatis, Chétican, Chéticamps and Chétifcamp. The current spelling appeared for the first time on 3 May 1815, in the writings of the missionary Antoine Manseau. In French, the name has been pronounced successively Le Chady, Le Grand Chady, Le Chady Grand, Île de Chedegan and finally, the current version, Chatican. Chéticamp is usually pronounced phonetically in French outside of the area. The name does not always take the acute accent on the e in English. A village in western Nova Scotia, Saint Alphonse de Clare, was originally called Chéticamp de Clare. Its name was changed to avoid confusion for postal delivery.
History
Chéticamp was a fishing station used during the summer months by Charles Robin, a merchant from the island of Jersey, and is considered one of the Acadian capitals of the world. In the years following the Great Expulsion, many Acadians came to this area. The first permanent settlers following that era were the families of Pierre Bois and Joseph Richard, who arrived in 1782, although both brothers John and Paul Chiasson along with many other French settlers like the AuCoin family were believed to have predated Bois, Richard and Robin by over 100 years. Chiasson is looked at today as the oldest family name on record in the town. Many of the original family names still reside in and around the small town. They, like all the original founding family names of Cheticamp, can be found chiseled in stone in the town still to this day. Settlement was formally established in 1785 by a grant of land to the 14 original settlers. Today Chéticamp, which is at the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is a popular tourist spot.
Geography
Chéticamp is at the western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park which contains the Acadian Trail. The downtown area overlooks a harbour that is protected from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence by Chéticamp Island. The Cheticamp River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence approximately 5 km northeast of the village.
Climate
Chéticamp experiences a humid continental climate. Temperature and precipitation patterns are greatly influenced by the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Cape Breton Highlands. The highest temperature ever recorded in Chéticamp was on 10 August 2001. The coldest temperature ever recorded was on 27 January 1994.
Economy
Apart from an important gypsum mine which operated off and on until the Second World War, the main industry in Chéticamp historically has been fishing. As fish quotas have declined, tourism has taken on more importance and is the largest industry at this time. The tourism industry is based on the scenery found in the coastal village at the entrance of Cape Breton's national park. Chéticamp has also marketed its traditional rug hookers, Acadian music and food. Activities for visitors include whale watching, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, cultural events and festivals and photography. They also host an International Dance Festival, and La fête nationale de l'Acadie.
Tourist attractions
The local beach named St. Peter's Beach gives the locals as well as tourists a place for swimming, camping, and other recreational activities. There are a great deal of accommodations for visitors and hospitality is a trademark. The Northern Inverness Recreational Association also manages the local golf course, Le Portage, which is considered part of "Cape Breton's Fabulous Foursome" and is renowned for the beautiful views and challenging course. Chéticamp extends itself for four kilometres along the Cabot Trail. One kilometre northeast is Petit Étang, then further east is La Prairie. South of La Prairie is Le Platin and Belle-Marche. Even further south is Pointe-à-la-Croix. From Main street Chéticamp, you can view the typical Chéticamp houses. Saint Peter's is unique and rich in Acadian history. The Université Sainte-Anne has a campus in Saint-Joseph-du-Moine. The town's official Website is www.cheticamp.ca to get up to date information on Chéticamp, the Acadian village on the Cabot Trail.
