Fort McKay First Nation Oral History and Genealogy Project (2022)

Kwusen worked collaboratively with Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) to conduct an Oral History and Genealogy (OHG) Project focusing on the history and genealogy of the FMFN. Tasks included extensive archival and genealogical research through cemetery records, church records, vital records, band membership lists, historical treaty annuity paylists, and other documents, including as those provided by FMFN members. Kwusen conducted over 40 interviews with Elders to provide a rich oral historical record of FMFN’s past, from family stories to Traditional Knowledge to community history. The content of these interviews will assist FMFN in preparing educational materials and provide a long-term legacy for the Nation’s future generations. Kwusen produced a memorandum detailing the oral, historical, and genealogical records of the FMFN community and their ancestors. Additionally, family trees were generated for each member interviewed, as well as for each member of Chief and Council. All information and findings from this study are accessible to the FMFN for future use in their Community KnowledgeKeeper database.

Kwusen has been working with FMFN for over a decade, and looks forward to continuing to support FMFN in the coming years.