Title | From where we stand: Traditional land use and occupancy study of the Fort McKay First Nation |
Publication Type | Report |
Year of Publication | 1983 |
Publication Language | en |
Keywords | traditional land use, traditional resources |
Abstract | This document presents the results of a comprehensive 18-month study outlining a broad spectrum of issues relating to the Fort McKay Community. Among the objectives outlined for this study was a detailed identification, assessment and mapping of traditional resource use and harvesting patterns. This objective was accomplished by completing a literature review, interviewing 53 adult community members, including elders, and constructing and compiling land use maps. One of the significant outcomes of this study was comprehensive definition of the lands considered to represent the traditional territory of the Fort McKay communities, through collection of information related to hunting, trapping, fishing, plant harvesting and cabin locations. This area includes the Suncor Energy Inc. Oil Sands Project Millennium development area. Another important outcome was definition of two patterns of seasonal activities of the traditional lifestyle (called seasonal rounds), one for periods before 1960, and one for periods after 1960. The difference between these two maps shows the centralizing influence of the services provided at Fort McKay (e.g. schools, health services, housing, employment) and the ongoing participation in the bush economy. One of the most important results of this study is documentation of the significant role the bush economy plays in the overall life of Fort McKay residents, in spite of the numerous restrictions that accompany the increasing non-traditional land uses in the region. |
Notes | First Nation conducted and approved Traditional Land Use Study |
Topics | Traditional land use study |
Locational Keywords | Fort McKay, Alberta |
Group | CEMA |
Citation Key | 24617 |