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Fort McKay Aboriginal (FMFN) is a local success story. Located on the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, the community improves the living standards of its members through the income generated by the First National-owned companies.
According to the 2020 FMFN Financial Report, the community generates 97% of revenue from such companies, with an average annual revenue of $1.7 billion over a five-year period.
The First Nation, which owns 900 band members of the Dene and Cree heritage, lives in the Reserve and abroad, has become a leader in the development of the Indigenous economy. The 2018 Fraser Academy report attributes this success to “community capitalism.”
FMFN’s participation in the oil sands industry began in 1986 and established the Fort McKay of Companies, 100% of the first national oil sands construction and service company. First Nation is responsible for 12 companies through its full asset company McKay Landing LP.
FMFN has browsed environmental impact assessments, profit sharing agreements and consulting processes. “We place great emphasis on ensuring we are actively involved in the decision-making process to ensure our land and resources are protected by future generations,” said Raymond Powder, head of FMFN.
The National Post talks with Powder about how First Nations strike a balance between business and culture and how they use profits to grow the economy of their communities. This interview has been edited and condensed to ensure clarity and length.
How did FMFN participate in the oil sands industry first, and what is the biggest milestone?
Historically, FMFN is a trap and fishing community. As these industries decline, we see oil sands as an opportunity for transition and adaptation. Working with Oil Sands companies has enabled us to move to a new economic base and create a stable source of revenue through participation in extraction and refining businesses. Our greatest milestones include the establishment of the Fort McKay Group, which has become the cornerstone of economic self-sufficiency in our community. In addition, partnerships with companies like Suncor and East Tank Farm Project (joint ventures with other indigenous groups) are indispensable in diversifying our economic base.
How does the income generated by the oil sands sector benefit Fort McKay residents?
The oil sands business revenue through Fort McKay Group has been reinvested back to our community. We have established schools, health centers, and housing to improve living conditions and community services. We also focus on education programs, employment training and health services to provide our residents with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Our goal is to ensure that young people have access to career opportunities in the oil sands and beyond.
How does FMFN ensure that young people have access to educational and career opportunities?
We offer many initiatives that connect youth with education and career opportunities. These include trade shows, education fairs and junior college support programs. Although many community members work in the oil sands field, we are actively working to ensure that our young people also have the skills they need to pursue careers outside the industry. We are committed to promoting educational success, which in turn supports the growth and development of our communities.
What is the long-term vision of economic self-sufficiency, especially given that oil production is limited?
We focus on economic diversification and long-term financial sustainability. Through equity partnerships such as Thebacha (which is a partnership between FMFN and Mikisew Cree First Nation that earns 49% equity position in the Suncor facility north of Fort McMurray), we position ourselves as investing in venture capital that will provide long-term returns. This includes renewable energy and other industries, allowing us to build wealth that supports future generations. Our long-term strategy also involves working closely with other indigenous communities, such as those in the Athabasca region, to address common economic and environmental challenges.
How does Fort McKay balance economic opportunities with environmental responsibilities, especially in oil sand development?
At FMFN, balancing economic growth with environmental management is crucial. We work closely with Oil Sands to ensure high environmental standards and maintain our own internal monitoring systems for greater transparency. We are committed to minimizing environmental impacts while providing work and economic opportunities to our communities. The key to our success is to ensure that the economic benefits do not come at the expense of our environment.
Can you explain the significance of Moose Lake and its efforts to protect it?
Moose Lake has profound cultural and spiritual significance to our community. This is a sacred field where we engage in traditional practices such as hunting and fishing. The region is threatened by industrial encroachment and we strive unremittingly to protect it. We advocate buffers and restrictions to ensure that Moose Lake is still pristine and that our descendants can continue to practice their traditional lifestyle. The lake symbolizes our struggle for land rights, cultural protection and environmental management.
What is the next step in strengthening land rights in Fort McKay?
We are actively arguing for our land rights and seeking greater autonomy in governance. Part of this includes resolving historical land agreements and ensuring that resources such as oil sands are properly incorporated into our treaty agreements. Strengthening our sovereignty is a key priority and we are working to ensure that our rights to land and resources are recognized and respected by the provincial and federal governments.
How does FMFN work with other indigenous communities in the region?
Cooperation is the core of our economic strategy. We work closely with neighboring Aboriginal peoples such as Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree to address common economic, environmental and political issues. This includes joint ventures with Oil Sands and collective efforts to protect our land and resources. By working together, we can ensure that all communities benefit from regional development and share resources to maximize our bargaining power.
Looking ahead, what are the greatest opportunities and challenges for the First Nation of Fort McKay in the next 10-20 years?
The greatest opportunity lies in diversifying our economy, building long-term financial sustainability, and continuing to strengthen our sovereignty. However, challenges such as global market volatility, resource dependence and environmental issues remain. We focus on overcoming these challenges through strategic investments, collaboration with other indigenous communities, and continuing investment in our people and education. Our vision is to ensure that FMFN remains a self-sustaining, thriving community for future generations.
Here is the latest news in a national post series about how Canada wins. Read early installments here.
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