Proud of Our History
WILLOW LAKE MÉTIS NATION
About Willow Lake Métis Nation
By operating through a structured governance of transparency and accountability we aim to improve our community's way of life and sovereignty through responsible leadership.
Our Vision
To effectively represent the rights-bearing community of the Willow Lake Métis; ensuring trust, cultural retention, economic stability, a sustainable environment, and a better life for all.
History of Willow Lake Métis Nation
Economic development
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Economic development
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Economic development
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RECENT NEWS
To Whom It May Concern: We, the democratically elected leadership of the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), are formally asserting our constitutionally protected rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 in relation to proposed resource development projects in northwestern Saskatchewan. Willow Lake Métis Nation is a historic and contemporary Métis community based in Anzac, Alberta. Our traditional territory extends eastward into what is now Saskatchewan, from Dore Lake in the south to Lake Athabasca in the north. Our people maintain ancestral and ongoing traditional ties to regions surrounding La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation. These connections predate provincial boundaries and are reflected in the historical signing of Treaty 8 at Fort McMurray by members of the Portage La Loche group now known as the Clearwater River Dene Nation. We have serious and valid concerns regarding the proposed uranium development in the Clearwater River watershed. The environmental impacts and the continued taking up of our traditional lands pose risks to our people, culture, and way of life. Despite our repeated efforts to engage, the Government of Canada and the proponents of these projects have failed to consult with WLMN. In response, and as a matter of last resort in our obligation to protect the land and uphold the rights of our Citizens, Willow Lake Métis Nation has filed a Federal Court application filed June 20, 2025, seeking judicial review of Canada’s failure to fulfill its duty to consult. The application relates specifically to uranium mining projects proposed by NexGen Energy and Paladin Canada at Patterson Lake, Saskatchewan, located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Fort McMurray. We want to be clear: our assertion of rights does not conflict with or diminish any agreements made between other Indigenous Nations and the lease applicants. Our position is focused solely on ensuring the Crown’s duty to consult Willow Lake Métis Nation is meaningfully fulfilled. We are committed to respectful engagement and responsible development that includes all rights-holding Indigenous communities. Respectfully, The Leadership of Willow Lake Métis Nation
Rooted in Respect. Driven by Partnership. At Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), our approach to industry relations is grounded in respect, transparency, and mutual benefit. Through strong, strategic partnerships, we are ensuring a sustainable future for our Citizens, protecting our rights, and supporting responsible economic development throughout Northern Alberta. Our Industry Relations pillar focuses on collaboration - not just consultation. It’s about co-creating opportunities that reflect our values, protect our lands, and invest in our Nation’s future. Partnership with Purpose We are proud to walk alongside industry leaders who recognize the importance of working with Indigenous communities in a meaningful way. Our partners contribute more than resources - they bring a commitment to long-term relationship-building rooted in open dialogue, shared goals, and reconciliation. Some of our key partnerships include: Astisiy Limited Partnership In a landmark move, the Willow Lake Métis Nation formed Astisiy Limited Partnership with Suncor Energy, making WLMN an equity partner in the Base Plant operations. This is not just an economic investment—it’s a bold step toward Indigenous ownership and influence in Alberta’s energy future. It’s a powerful example of how we can lead from a place of strength and vision when given a seat at the table. Learn More About Astisiy ConocoPhillips Canada Our collaboration with ConocoPhillips Canada has created opportunities for community investment, employment, and education. Their commitment to building relationships founded on honesty and shared success reflects what WLMN stands for: protecting our way of life while moving forward with purpose. Read About Our Work With Conoco Phillips Keyera Partnership Keyera’s respect for Indigenous rights and their support of community development have helped shape a partnership built on trust. Whether through education initiatives or environmental stewardship, our joint efforts reflect a shared desire to make meaningful contributions to the lives of our Citizens. Explore The Keyera Partnership Suncor Energy In addition to our equity stake via Astisiy, our ongoing relationship with Suncor is rooted in shared responsibility. Suncor recognizes that sustainable development must include Indigenous voices—and we are ensuring our Citizens are represented and respected at every step. Discover The Full Suncor Partnership Willow Lake Métis Group: Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Industry While Willow Lake Métis Nation leads with community-first values, the Willow Lake Métis Group (WLMG) drives opportunity through industry. As the Nation’s economic development corporation, WLMG plays a critical role in ensuring our partnerships lead to real, tangible benefits for Citizens. WLMG works directly with industry to deliver high-quality services across sectors, ranging from maintenance and construction to logistics and workforce solutions. But our work goes beyond service delivery. We are building a model of economic reconciliation: one that empowers Indigenous ownership, prioritizes sustainability, and creates long-term prosperity for our Citizens. Through collaborations with partners, WLMG has positioned itself as a trusted Indigenous business leader across Northern Alberta. These relationships are not only helping companies meet their procurement and ESG goals, they are helping our Nation thrive. Together with WLMN, WLMG is proud to support a shared vision of community wellness, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment. To learn more about WLMG services or partnership opportunities, visit Willow Lake Metis Group . A Platform for Dialogue We’ve created a platform where community and industry can come together. This is a space for open dialogue, shared decision-making, and the development of partnerships that benefit everyone. Through this, we are not only building a stronger economy, we are safeguarding our environment, our culture, and our Nation’s future. Willow Lake Métis Nation has created a platform where industry and community can come together - openly, respectfully, and strategically. These relationships support: Job creation and long-term employment for Citizens Hands-on training and mentorship in key sectors Revenue-sharing and investment in local programs Protection of our land and resources guided by Métis values We are building more than projects—we are building a legacy of collaboration, pride, and opportunity. Our Commitment Willow Lake Métis Nation is committed to: Economic Development that aligns with our values Environmental Stewardship that honours our traditional knowledge Community Empowerment through training, employment, and cultural preservation Mutual Respect and understanding in all relationships We’re grateful to our partners who walk this path with us and recognize the strength of Indigenous leadership in shaping a better tomorrow. Join us in building the future—together. For more information on our industry relations and how you can get involved, visit Our Industry Partners .
In early 2024, we shared the publication of our Community Climate Risk Assessment and Report in collaboration with the Resilience Institute, Associated Engineering, and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative. Exciting insights gained from this project are now a valuable guide for fellow local governments keen on enhancing their adaptation planning strategies. View the report details and download the case study below.
Willow Lake Métis Nation was proud to stand in solidarity at this year’s Red Dress Day march in Fort McMurray, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. Our Nation's own Stella Lavallee was featured in a Fort McMurray Today article, sharing her heartfelt perspective on the importance of this day. “This crisis is not just a tragedy, it’s a reflection of deeper systems that have long failed Indigenous communities.”
On November 12, 2024, the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN) hosted an impactful Indigenous Environmental, Social, and Governance (IESG) Workshop at the Anzac Recreation Center. This gathering marked a key milestone in uniting traditional Métis values with modern ESG practices, bringing together the Nation’s Elders Circle, its staff, and the Sustainability Steering Committee to shape a vision for the Nation's future. A Platform for Progress The workshop focused on evaluating WLMN's current efforts while identifying opportunities to enhance IESG initiatives. Discussions also touched on defining sustainability and exploring environmental, social, governance and Indigenous reconciliation priorities. Traditional Environmental Knowledge Western views often exclude the spiritual, relational, and holistic perspectives central to many Willow Lake Métis Nation’s worldviews, which regard all elements of the environment, including land, air, water, and animals, as interconnected, living, and embodied with spirit. The principle of Wahkohtowin (kinship and interconnectedness) reflects WLMN’s deep respect for the land, water, air, and all living beings. There is no prioritization of environmental elements, all are viewed as equally important. Social Highlights WLMN’s Citizen programs play a vital role in the social dimension of IESG, fostering community capacity, cultural continuity, and youth empowerment. Willow Lake Métis Nation’s social supports tie back to IESG through empowerment & self-sufficiency, community well-being & growth, cultural identity & inclusion, stronger social network, and breaking cycles. Governance Insights The workshop highlighted the critical role of ethics, transparency, and board diversity in governance. Participants explored ways to strengthen WLMN's leadership through accountable practices and robust oversight mechanisms that reflect both traditional values and contemporary expectations. These insights lay the groundwork for a more dynamic and inclusive governance framework. Driving Indigenous Reconciliation A central theme of the discussions was the integration of Indigenous knowledge and rights into ESG practices. Priorities included preserving WLMN’s cultural identity, protecting land use, and promoting equitable opportunities within projects. By weaving these principles into its ESG pathway, WLMN is setting a benchmark for reconciliation that bridges its heritage with sustainable development. Thoughts on Sustainability At the heart of our mission lies a deep respect for the land and a longstanding connection to WLMN, grounded in history, culture, and traditional knowledge. We are committed to a balanced approach to development, ownership, and environmental stewardship that ensures the health of our natural resources—clean water, thriving wildlife, and fertile land that supports hunting, harvesting, and sustainable food systems. Our vision is to build a resilient, independent Nation through responsible reclamation and measured, thoughtful decision-making. By investing in future generations, we aim to foster long-term growth while preserving our language, culture, and values. We are committed to growing more food, supporting healthier living through clean air and water, and protecting the plants and animals that share our ecosystem. Grounded in fairness, knowledge, and accountability, our efforts prioritize the sustainability of resources for those who come after us. As we move forward, our focus on financial freedom, local self-sufficiency, and reduced reliance on external inputs will support a thriving, equitable, and culturally rooted community. Together, we strive toward a shared future that upholds the integrity of the land, sustains our prosperity, and honors the traditions that define us. Next Steps With these priorities in mind, WLMN is preparing for the next phase of its journey, which includes: Finalizing the sustainability framework, along with defined IESG priorities. Use the in-depth current-state analysis to guide WLMN’s IESG strategy. Establishing long-term sustainability goals and measurable benchmarks. A Vision for the Future This workshop is more than a step forward; it’s a reflection of WLMN’s commitment to its land, culture, and people. By embracing Métis knowledge and heritage while advancing innovative governance practices, WLMN is laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous future. As these initiatives unfold, they serve as a testament to WLMN’s leadership in harmonizing tradition with modernity. This journey is one of collective purpose, aimed at building not only sustainability but a legacy of equity, empowerment, and community for generations to come.
RECENT NEWS
To Whom It May Concern: We, the democratically elected leadership of the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), are formally asserting our constitutionally protected rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 in relation to proposed resource development projects in northwestern Saskatchewan. Willow Lake Métis Nation is a historic and contemporary Métis community based in Anzac, Alberta. Our traditional territory extends eastward into what is now Saskatchewan, from Dore Lake in the south to Lake Athabasca in the north. Our people maintain ancestral and ongoing traditional ties to regions surrounding La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation. These connections predate provincial boundaries and are reflected in the historical signing of Treaty 8 at Fort McMurray by members of the Portage La Loche group now known as the Clearwater River Dene Nation. We have serious and valid concerns regarding the proposed uranium development in the Clearwater River watershed. The environmental impacts and the continued taking up of our traditional lands pose risks to our people, culture, and way of life. Despite our repeated efforts to engage, the Government of Canada and the proponents of these projects have failed to consult with WLMN. In response, and as a matter of last resort in our obligation to protect the land and uphold the rights of our Citizens, Willow Lake Métis Nation has filed a Federal Court application filed June 20, 2025, seeking judicial review of Canada’s failure to fulfill its duty to consult. The application relates specifically to uranium mining projects proposed by NexGen Energy and Paladin Canada at Patterson Lake, Saskatchewan, located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Fort McMurray. We want to be clear: our assertion of rights does not conflict with or diminish any agreements made between other Indigenous Nations and the lease applicants. Our position is focused solely on ensuring the Crown’s duty to consult Willow Lake Métis Nation is meaningfully fulfilled. We are committed to respectful engagement and responsible development that includes all rights-holding Indigenous communities. Respectfully, The Leadership of Willow Lake Métis Nation
Rooted in Respect. Driven by Partnership. At Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), our approach to industry relations is grounded in respect, transparency, and mutual benefit. Through strong, strategic partnerships, we are ensuring a sustainable future for our Citizens, protecting our rights, and supporting responsible economic development throughout Northern Alberta. Our Industry Relations pillar focuses on collaboration - not just consultation. It’s about co-creating opportunities that reflect our values, protect our lands, and invest in our Nation’s future. Partnership with Purpose We are proud to walk alongside industry leaders who recognize the importance of working with Indigenous communities in a meaningful way. Our partners contribute more than resources - they bring a commitment to long-term relationship-building rooted in open dialogue, shared goals, and reconciliation. Some of our key partnerships include: Astisiy Limited Partnership In a landmark move, the Willow Lake Métis Nation formed Astisiy Limited Partnership with Suncor Energy, making WLMN an equity partner in the Base Plant operations. This is not just an economic investment—it’s a bold step toward Indigenous ownership and influence in Alberta’s energy future. It’s a powerful example of how we can lead from a place of strength and vision when given a seat at the table. Learn More About Astisiy ConocoPhillips Canada Our collaboration with ConocoPhillips Canada has created opportunities for community investment, employment, and education. Their commitment to building relationships founded on honesty and shared success reflects what WLMN stands for: protecting our way of life while moving forward with purpose. Read About Our Work With Conoco Phillips Keyera Partnership Keyera’s respect for Indigenous rights and their support of community development have helped shape a partnership built on trust. Whether through education initiatives or environmental stewardship, our joint efforts reflect a shared desire to make meaningful contributions to the lives of our Citizens. Explore The Keyera Partnership Suncor Energy In addition to our equity stake via Astisiy, our ongoing relationship with Suncor is rooted in shared responsibility. Suncor recognizes that sustainable development must include Indigenous voices—and we are ensuring our Citizens are represented and respected at every step. Discover The Full Suncor Partnership Willow Lake Métis Group: Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Industry While Willow Lake Métis Nation leads with community-first values, the Willow Lake Métis Group (WLMG) drives opportunity through industry. As the Nation’s economic development corporation, WLMG plays a critical role in ensuring our partnerships lead to real, tangible benefits for Citizens. WLMG works directly with industry to deliver high-quality services across sectors, ranging from maintenance and construction to logistics and workforce solutions. But our work goes beyond service delivery. We are building a model of economic reconciliation: one that empowers Indigenous ownership, prioritizes sustainability, and creates long-term prosperity for our Citizens. Through collaborations with partners, WLMG has positioned itself as a trusted Indigenous business leader across Northern Alberta. These relationships are not only helping companies meet their procurement and ESG goals, they are helping our Nation thrive. Together with WLMN, WLMG is proud to support a shared vision of community wellness, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment. To learn more about WLMG services or partnership opportunities, visit Willow Lake Metis Group . A Platform for Dialogue We’ve created a platform where community and industry can come together. This is a space for open dialogue, shared decision-making, and the development of partnerships that benefit everyone. Through this, we are not only building a stronger economy, we are safeguarding our environment, our culture, and our Nation’s future. Willow Lake Métis Nation has created a platform where industry and community can come together - openly, respectfully, and strategically. These relationships support: Job creation and long-term employment for Citizens Hands-on training and mentorship in key sectors Revenue-sharing and investment in local programs Protection of our land and resources guided by Métis values We are building more than projects—we are building a legacy of collaboration, pride, and opportunity. Our Commitment Willow Lake Métis Nation is committed to: Economic Development that aligns with our values Environmental Stewardship that honours our traditional knowledge Community Empowerment through training, employment, and cultural preservation Mutual Respect and understanding in all relationships We’re grateful to our partners who walk this path with us and recognize the strength of Indigenous leadership in shaping a better tomorrow. Join us in building the future—together. For more information on our industry relations and how you can get involved, visit Our Industry Partners .
In early 2024, we shared the publication of our Community Climate Risk Assessment and Report in collaboration with the Resilience Institute, Associated Engineering, and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative. Exciting insights gained from this project are now a valuable guide for fellow local governments keen on enhancing their adaptation planning strategies. View the report details and download the case study below.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIPS
