Frank Ladouceur (1918 - July 23, 1989) was a prominent leader and the founder of Fort Chipewyan Metis Association. He trapped and fished from his family’s trapline at kamsakniyâk (Big Point) on Lake Athabasca, sometimes in the bush for months at a time without any communication. He knew the land well. He grew up watching his dad trap and trade with the Hudson Bay Company and followed in his footsteps at a young age.

Mr. Ladouceur saw many changes throughout his life – loss of language, culture, and land – and became involved politically to maintain the value of those connections. He was outspoken about development and the effects it had on livelihoods and survival of the people, demanding care for the land and proper consultation with trappers and those that understood the territory.

“He was vocal and passionate about taking care of his family and being independent,” says Kendrick Cardinal, President of Fort Chipewyan Metis Association, “he was a hard worker.”

For more on Frank Ladouceur’s story, please watch The Man Who Chose The Bush and Death of Delta.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is celebrating the rich culture and history of Indigenous peoples of this region in recognition of National Indigenous History Month. Please join us throughout the month of June in honoring the original peoples whose stories have marked these lands for time immemorial.