Fort McKay Photo Archive Project

The Fort McKay Métis Nation (FMMN) is the self-governing Métis Nation representing the interests of Métis people in the community. Members of FMMN are concerned about the cumulative impacts of industrial development on the land, air, water and wildlife in the Fort McKay area. As active users of the land, community members have intimate knowledge of the local ecosystems, rivers, water-bodies and wildlife populations and are eager to contribute this knowledge to address and prevent environmental impacts. Furthermore, the pace of industrialization has altered the local landscape and ecosystem upon which the practice of harvesting rights depends. FMMN members are eager to document their knowledge and traditional use of land within specific project sites in order to protect the community’s heritage, cultural and historic resources, and Aboriginal rights.

One of the ways that the Nation citizens can document their long history in the region is through community artifacts including historic photos, documents, videos, beadwork and other family heirlooms. The goal of the project will be to document the existence of the community collections and, where possible and relevant, collect stories related to those items.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kisha Supernant

Student:

Partner:

Willow Springs Strategic Solutions

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: