Investing with Fort Nelson First Nation

We are "the People of the Land" and we have occupied the lands of our traditional territory in the Northeast of British Columbia for tens of thousands of years. Our connection with the land and the resources of our territory goes back many generations. We were, and still are, hunters and gatherers and we moved around the territory with the seasons, and with the animals that sustained our way of life and our livelihood. We were historically known as the Fort Nelson Slavey Band.

Our people came from different areas of the territory. Fort Nelson, where we are now, is not our original home. The Old Fort, on the banks of the Fort Nelson River, was just where we came to trade our furs, and to purchase goods, at the Hudson Bay Post. We came from different areas of the territory: Nelson Forks, Francois, Deer River, Snake River, Kotcho, Fontas, Kahntah and Moose Lake. Some of our relatives even came from as far away as Alberta and the NWT and they were adopted into our Nation by our elders. We did not get our “reservation” until the early 60’s, (50 years after signing our Treaty) at which time most of us were moved to “Mile 295”. At that time, some of our families remained, and continue to live, where their families lived for generations; and these places are Moose Lake, Fontas and Kahntah.

We have just over 700 members and have 10 reserves. Our total reserve land base is 9556.5 hectares. IR #2 is the largest and is located at Mile 295 off the Alaska Highway and is the main reserve and home to about half of our population. We have reserves at Fontas, Kahntah, Snake River, Moose Lake, Francois and Maxhamish Lake. Our people speak the Dene and Cree languages. There are about 160 houses on IR#2. Facilities include an administration office, justice department, Chalo school, daycare/headstart, lands office, adult learning centre, health centre, cultural arbor and capital works.

Many generations of our men, women and children have lived and thrived in this area. We have a commitment, and an obligation, to care for and protect our rights, our lands, our waters, our animals and the whole ecosystem for future generations; but at the same time, we must create economic certainty for our people and balancing those interests are a daily challenge.