Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations reserve is across the lakefrom the
hamlet of Fort Chipewyan in the southwestern tip of Lake Athabasca.
It is approximately 200 air kms north of Fort McMurray and
600 kms northeast of Edmonton. Fort Chipewyan is
Alberta’s oldest continuous European settlement dating
back to 1788 when the North West Company established
an outpost there. As the demand for fur increased, the lifestyle
of the Chipewyan people in this area was significantly altered.
The Chipewyan people traded at the Fort in the spring and fall,
and in time, some began to use it as a base. The signing of Treaty
No. 8 drew more people to the area. December 1996 figures estimates approximately 618 Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members, most of which live off the reserve.

Local Government
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is governed by a Chief and four councilors.
Chief Archie Cyprien
Councilor Lily Marcel
Councilor Gregory Marcel
Councilor Allan Adam
Councilor Lorraine Hoffman

Economic Base
The three major resource base activities in the Fort Chipewyan area was trapping, fishing and lumbering. Today, commercial fishing generates some revenue. Seasonal fire fighting opportunities supplement some member’s income. Many members work in government and business service positions in Fort Chipewyan. Other sources of employment have been with Syncrude, Suncor and other oil sands related companies.

Roads
The only vehicle access to Fort Chipewyan is via a winter road from Fort Smith, 140 kilometers to the north or from Fort McMurray, 303 kilometers.

Air Services
Fort Chipewyan has a paved all weather, lighted airstrip. Scheduled air service from Fort McMurray and Edmonton provides residents with food, clothing and all supplies. Mikisew’s Contact Airlines provides the air service six days per week. In addition a number of air charter services are available from Fort McMurray.

River Barge Service
Although there is no passenger service via the river barge they are used during the summer to transport goods to the community.

Railway
No rail service to this community.

Bus Service
There is a weekly bus service from Fort McMurray to Fort Chipewyan when the winter road is open.

Child Welfare Services
Alberta Family and Social Services located in Fort McMurray provide a full range of child welfare services to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members including adoption services, foster homes, and handicapped children’s services.