RMWB: Council approves Fort McKay ASP, supports ACFN’s Addition to Reserve

(Fort McKay, AB – Jan. 24, 2018) – Council voted to approve Fort McKay’s first-ever Area Structure Plan (ASP) and signaled its support for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s Addition to Reserve at its public meeting at Fort McKay School on Tuesday.

“We are committed to a spirit of inclusiveness and reconciliation with our Indigenous communities and that’s why we unanimously supported these initiatives,” said Mayor Don Scott. “We are honoured to have been shown the community by Fort McKay First Nation and McKay Métis and we look forward to continued open dialogue as we walk together in building a stronger tomorrow for all of us. This is significant for us and we thank them for such a warm welcome.”

Fort McKay First Nation and the Fort McKay Community Association were gracious in their hospitality as lunch, dinner and community tours were hosted by both groups in advance of the Council meeting, the first held in Fort McKay since 2001.

Developed in collaboration with the community, the Fort McKay ASP officially names the hamlet as Fort McKay and guides the path for future community development in the area.

In supporting ACFN’s Addition to Reserve, the Mayor will now send a letter of support to the Minister for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. The motion also guides the Municipality into working with ACFN on a service agreement and an agreement to harmonize governance.

This was the first of further official Council meetings in rural communities across the region during the 2017-21 Council term.

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