A Northern Alberta Métis community is celebrating the purchase of 372 acres of land. The Fort McKay Métis (FMM) purchased the land with assistance from ATB Financial. Until now, FMM leased that land from the Government of Alberta.

The land acquisition is the first-of-its kind by a Métis community in Canada.

At a news conference in Edmonton today, FMM President Ron Quintal expressed excitement about the future.

“Now that we have land, we can proceed with an aggressive economic development plan to leverage the land into businesses, careers, housing and long-term prosperity for our people. Our future has never been so bright,” he said.

The community now plans to move forward with the Fort McKay Area Structure Plan which includes:

• More houses
• High density apartments
• Gas station and car wash
• Healing lodge
• Cultural pavilion
• Firehall
• Splash park

ATB’s Executive Vice President of Business & Agriculture Teresa Clouston was on hand as the historic deal was announced.

“Working with the Fort McKay Métis Community has been a privilege,” she said. “One of our fundamental beliefs at ATB is that banking can change people’s lives for the better. We look forward to seeing the community prosper in the years to come.”

Fort McKay is located about 45 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.