FORT McKAY, AB / Sept. 27, 2022 — Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is encouraging everyone to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing orange to recognize the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing harms to Indigenous peoples.
“At our Nation, we are wearing orange to remember those who were brutalized by a racist institution that disconnected them from their families and culture,” said Chief Mel Grandjamb. “We also wear orange in solidarity with the families and communities living daily with the long-term impacts of residential schools.”
“It is a message that our nation is committed to sharing all year long: Every child matters,” said Chief Grandjamb.
Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, will be a day of reflection for Fort McKay First Nation, remembered with cultural events that bring our community together.
The schedule will include the following:
| 10:30 am – 11 am | Fire, Tobacco Offerings and Story Sharing – Cultural Village |
| All Day | Face painting and other events for children |
| 11 am – 12 pm | Stephanie Harpe, Guest Speaker – Band Hall |
| 12 pm – 1 pm | Lunch – Band Hall |
| 1 pm – 3 pm | Round Dance |
About FMFN
Fort McKay First Nation has nearly 900 band members of Cree and Dene heritage, with approximately 450 living in the on-reserve section of the community of Fort McKay, located 60 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, on the shores of the Athabasca River. In addition to the Fort McKay community, FMFN has reserves 174A at Gardiner (Moose) Lake and 174B at Namur (Buffalo) Lake, approximately 65 kilometres northwest of Fort McKay. Moose Lake is the traditional home of what is now the Fort McKay First Nation.
A signatory to Treaty 8, Fort McKay First Nation’s mission is to assert Treaty rights, revitalizeculture and language, promote education, build economic capacity, and support wellness to create opportunities for our Nation’s healthy and sustainable future.
The Nation also manages a business portfolio of 11 entities. Business revenues are invested in infrastructure, programs, services, and directly benefit both the community of Fort McKay and individual band members. Only five to 10 per cent of FMFN’s annual operating budget comes from federal or provincial governments.