Project Sectors
CONTEXT
Fort McKay (Fort MacKay) is situated at the confluence of the Athabasca and MacKay rivers in northeast Alberta.
After many years without a dedicated health facility, Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) identified a clear and urgent need for accessible, culturally appropriate health services. Currently, health programs are spread across several buildings in the community, making coordination difficult and placing strain on service delivery. This fragmentation has created barriers to integrated care and poses long-term risks to community health outcomes. In response, FMFN, known for its strong commitment to preserving traditional values while planning for the future, commissioned this comprehensive Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study. Rooted in the Cree, Dene, and Métis traditions, this study was envisioned as a step toward rethinking health service delivery through a First Nations lens.
THE STUDY
The study includes a review of current services, an evaluation of service gaps, feasibility assessments for a new centralized health facility, and the development of a culturally aligned, actionable roadmap to move the project forward in accordance with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) funding criteria.
