The McMurray Métis and the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism are signing an agreement to pursue future opportunities together.

Through the memorandum of understanding, both groups will work together in hopes to bring measurable and meaningful benefit to their organizations.

This includes establishing an Implementation Committee and creating an Economic Development and Indigenous Tourism Action Plan to identify and respond to immediate and long term economic opportunities across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

This includes the McMurray Métis cultural centre which is currently being built.

“We are proud that the Métis Cultural Centre will be a key component of this MOU,” said Bill Loutitt, CEO of the McMurray Métis.

“Together we are stronger, and this shared understanding will support Indigenous tourism and economic development in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.”

Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT, added Indigenous knowledge, insights, and perspectives will be key in future economic growth.

“We look forward to listening, learning, reflecting, and then acting together with McMurray Métis to support shared value creation and a meaningful, long-term and sustainable relationship.”