Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation
Fond du Lac Dene Nation is a Dene First Nation located in the boreal forest area of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The main settlement is Fond-du-Lac, situated on the east side of Lake Athabasca. It is a remote fly-in community. The population in 2011 was 874, mainly of Dene and Métis descent. 705 residents selected Dene as their mother tongue in 2011.
Fond du Lac is a geographic name meaning "far end of the lake" in the French language.
History
Founded as a community over 150 years ago, by Denesuline First Nations in pursuit of furs, fishing, hunting and trapping the community has seen little changes. Many in the community can trace their ancestral roots to the early 19th century. "Living off the land" is still a way of life in Fond-du-Lac.Many of the residents are descendants of the Maurice's Band who signed an adhesion to Treaty 8 in 1899. The Maurice's Band split in 1949 forming the Fond-du-Lac Band and the Black Lake Band.
Reserves
Fond du Lac Dene Nation is a First Nation band government with 6 territories around the eastern area of Lake Athabasca.- Fond du Lac 227 is on the north shore of Lake Athabasca and contains the village of Fond du Lac.
- Fond du Lac 228 is across the lake from the village.
- Fond du Lac 229 is west of the village on the north shore of the lake. Population 0 in 2011.
- Fond du Lac 231 is borders the Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park on the McFarlane River. Population 0 in 2011.
- Fond du Lac 232 is on the Otherside River east of Fond du Lac 231. Population 0 in 2011.
- Fond du Lac 233 is on the south side of the lake surrounding Fond du Lac 228. Population 0 in 2011.