Fond du Lac Dene Nation, also known as Gánį Kóé in Chipewyan, is a Dene First Nation nestled in the boreal forest area of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The primary settlement, Fond-du-Lac, is located on the eastern side of Lake Athabasca. This remote community, mainly of Dene and Métis descent, is accessible only by air. As of 2011, the population was 874, with 705 residents identifying Dene as their mother tongue. The name Fond du Lac is French for "far end of the lake" or "bottom of the lake".
The Fond du Lac community was established over 150 years ago by the Denesuline First Nations, who were drawn to the area for its abundant furs, fishing, hunting, and trapping opportunities. The community has seen little change since its inception, with many residents still living off the land. Many of the current residents are descendants of the Maurice's Band, who signed an adhesion to Treaty 8 in 1899. The band later split in 1949, forming the Fond-du-Lac Band and the Black Lake Band.
The Fond du Lac Dene Nation governs six territories around the eastern area of Lake Athabasca. These include:
As of September 2013, Fond du Lac had a total registered membership of 1,895, with 1,066 members residing on-reserve and 829 members residing off-reserve. The Fond du Lac First Nation is a member of the Prince Albert Grand Council.
Transportation within the Fond du Lac community is limited due to the lack of year-round roads. The community is primarily accessible by air, inland water transport, and snowmobile. Large trucks and ATVs, or four-wheelers, are common modes of transportation for community members. During winter, a seasonal ice road provides access to Uranium City and Stony Rapids. The community heavily relies on aircraft and barges for supplies and services, with the occasional truck venturing in on the ice road with supplies during winter.
Fond-du-Lac experiences a typical northern Saskatchewan subarctic climate, characterized by long, frigid winters and short, mild to warm summers.
