The community of Fort McKay is located approximately 65 kms north of Fort McMurray.

Before the time of European contact, the Chipewyan Indians hunted the area
around Fort McKay. They were nomadic people, but with the introduction
of the fur trade, were persuaded to settle near trading posts. Fort
McKay dates back to 1820 when the Hudson Bay Company build a trading post near the present site.

The name of the post was changed in 1912 to Fort McKay in honour of Dr. Williams Morrison MacKay.

The Fort McKay Band also has Reserves at Namur Lake #174B and Gardiner Lakes #174A approximately 50 kms northwest of Fort McKay. These
Reserves are largely unoccupied as Band members reside in Fort McKay.

December 1996 figures indicates 454 First nations members with 221 people living in Fort McKay.

Local Government
The Fort McKay First Nation is governed by a Chief and four councilors.

Chief Jim Boucher

Councilor Raymond Powderr
Councilor Cecila Fitpatrick
Councilor Gerald Gladue
Councilor Mike Orr

Economic Base
Suncor and Syncrude employ some residents. Seasonal work in the forest industry, such as fire fighting and slashing provide another source of employment. Hunting and trapping are used by some to supplement income.

Roads
Fort McKay is approximately 65 kms from Fort McMurray. Highway 63 from Fort McKay to Fort McMurray is paved.

Air Services
The nearest airstrip is 3 kms south at Mildred Lake. There is a paved and lighted airport at Fort McMurray.

Railway
The nearest depot is in Fort McMurray.

Bus Service
Daily service to and from Fort McMurray.

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

The "rural social worker" provides once weekly visits. Alberta Family and Social Services hires a Native contract social worker to provide family and child support couselling one day per week on the Fort McKay Reserve.