[3] The 5-kilometre (3-mile) by 2-kilometre (1+1⁄4-mile) reserve is an enclave within the Baie-Atibenne unorganized territory, approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) north of Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

[citation needed] At least since 1850 and probably earlier, the shores of Lake Métabeskéga were a gathering place for Atikamekw families from Wemotaci.

This location, near their winter hunting grounds, was known in the 19th century as Metapeckeka, meaning "swamp coming from a bay" (from the fact that the lake is often dotted with floating plant debris that winds blew of the banks).

After years of correspondence followed by numerous trips in birch-bark canoe to Ottawa and lengthy negotiations for federal services, the government agreed.

The village experienced further growth in the 1950s when more families settled down as a result of growing forest exploitation and the construction of large dams.