The history of the Essipit territory dates back more than 10,000 years, a time when Innu ancestors traveled across Nitassinan (the Escoumins River region) to hunt, fish, and gather according to the rhythm of the seasons. In 1892, the Essipiunnuat reserve ("the Innu of the shell river") was officially created by the Canadian government. The word "Innu," which means "human being," affirms the community's identity and ancestral values.
Over the decades, the lifestyle became more sedentary, particularly with the arrival of settlers and the development of the forestry industry. In 1978, the community undertook a major socio-economic renewal by creating
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Entreprises Essipit to develop authentic and nature-friendly recreational tourism. Today, the First Nation collectively manages all its accommodations, outfitters, and outdoor activities according to a community model inspired by its ancestral motto: "For our fathers and our children."