Our Community

 

Fort Albany First Nation is a proud Cree community located along the Albany River, near James Bay in northeastern Ontario. We are part of the Omushkegowuk (Swampy Cree) people, deeply connected to our land, culture, and language. Our community is located within Treaty 9 territory and is part of both the Mushkegowuk Council and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN). Through these affiliations, we work alongside other First Nations to advocate for the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our people.

 

As a member of the Mushkegowuk Council, we collaborate with other Cree Nations in the region, focusing on areas like health, education, resource management, and cultural preservation. Our membership in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation strengthens our political voice on issues affecting northern Indigenous communities in Ontario, ensuring that we stand together on matters like treaty rights, environmental protection, and self-governance.

 

History and Heritage

 

Our community has a rich and long history. Fort Albany was originally established as an important fur trading post by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 17th century, making it a key location in the early trade networks between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. This history has helped shape our role as keepers of the land and protectors of Cree traditions.

 

Today, we continue to honor our ancestors by preserving and passing on the Cree language, cultural practices, and spiritual knowledge that remain central to our way of life. Despite the deep ties to our history, we also carry the scars of colonialism. Fort Albany was the site of St. Anne’s Indian Residential School, where many of our community members endured years of hardship and abuse. The legacy of this school remains a difficult chapter in our history, but we are actively engaged in the process of healing, reconciliation, and reclaiming our identity.

 

Governance and Leadership

 

Fort Albany First Nation operates under a traditional and contemporary governance structure, led by an elected Chief and Council who are dedicated to the well-being of our people. We work together to ensure the voices of our community are represented, both within Fort Albany and on a regional and national level, through the Mushkegowuk Council and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

 

As a self-governing Nation, we are committed to protecting our land, upholding our treaty rights, and ensuring that decisions affecting our people are made by us. Our leadership is also focused on key issues such as environmental stewardship, access to healthcare, education, and economic development, always with a strong emphasis on cultural preservation.

 

Life in Fort Albany

 

Living in Fort Albany means being closely connected to the land and nature that surrounds us. We are a fly-in community, meaning that we are primarily accessible by air throughout the year. During the warmer months, boats serve as another connection to the outside world, while in the winter, ice roads provide temporary access. While our remote location presents challenges, such as access to healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities, it also strengthens our sense of

community and resilience.

 

Our community remains deeply rooted in traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering, which are not only a source of sustenance but also a vital part of our Cree identity. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the knowledge of our ancestors lives on.

At the same time, we place a strong focus on the education and well-being of our youth. We work to ensure that they have opportunities both within our community and beyond. Many of our young people leave Fort Albany to pursue further education, but they remain connected to their heritage and often return to contribute to the future of our Nation.

 

Our Commitment to the Land and Environment

 

Fort Albany First Nation is committed to protecting the land that has sustained our people for centuries. We are deeply aware of the growing impact of climate change, which affects the traditional territories where we hunt, fish, and gather. As stewards of the land, we are engaged in efforts to preserve our natural resources for future generations, combining traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices.

 

Moving Forward Together

 

At Fort Albany, we believe in the strength of our community, our culture, and our land. While we honor our past and the resilience of our ancestors, we also look toward the future with hope and determination. Through our partnerships with the Mushkegowuk Council and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, we continue to work towards a future where our Cree identity thrives alongside new opportunities for growth and development.

 

We invite you to learn more about our people, our land, and our story as we continue to move forward together—honoring our past, strengthening our present, and building a brighter future for all.