Council chambers, image via RMWB.ca
RMWB Council backs land transfer and reserve expansion for Fort McKay First Nation
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) council has approved the transfer of a municipally owned parcel of land in Fort McKay and expressed support for the Fort McKay First Nation’s efforts to expand its reserve lands.
At its May 27 meeting, council unanimously approved the transfer of Lot 10A, located within the Hamlet of Fort McKay, to the Fort McKay Land Stewardship Society. The lot is currently home to an air monitoring station, and the transfer supports Fort McKay First Nation’s goal of improving jurisdictional continuity in the community.
“We value the relationship with Fort McKay First Nation, and all this region’s Indigenous communities, and this transfer of land reflects council’s commitment to reconciliation and community partnership,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “We are pleased to once again support the Fort McKay First Nation’s Addition to the Reserve application to the federal government. Emphasizing rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, this process helps Indigenous communities expand their land base, ultimately fostering community and economic development.”
Along with the land transfer, council authorized a letter of support to Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada backing the addition of four parcels of land to Reserve 174. Three of the parcels are provincially owned.
The Addition to Reserve process allows First Nations to expand their lands to accommodate growing housing and development needs. The identified lots have already received conditional federal approval, with municipal support forming a key part of the process.
The municipality reaffirmed its respect for the traditional territory of the Cree, Dene and Métis peoples and its commitment to building strong and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.
Comments