This name first appeared on a map from 1870 by Eugène-Étienne Taché and is of Amerindian origin meaning "moccasin".

[4] The Canadian National Railway to Abitibi runs from 1909, linking Hervey-Jonction to La Tuque.

The railway was built along the eastern shore of this lake, and was servicing the hamlets of Gouin and Lac-Masketsi (47°00′06″N 72°33′33″W / 47.00167°N 72.55917°W / 47.00167; -72.55917).

Each hamlet had a railway station that has long served the lumber camps, resorts and tourist activities.

The economy of this unorganized territory is mainly focused on forestry, resorts and tourist activities.