Our History

Following the devastating wildfires of 2011, the MD of Lesser Slave River, the Sawridge First Nation, and the Town of Slave Lake joined together in forming the Tri-Council. The first governance model of its kind, the Tri-Council is made up of elected officials from the three partner regions. Tri Council remains focused on strategic regional cooperation that serves to capitalize on the Slave Lake vicinity as a regional centre in north central Alberta. The focus is critical to ensure that health, school, government, and key business entities choose to come, stay, and grow in our region. Another evolving purpose is to deal with topical matters that extend beyond municipal/First Nation corporate boundaries, such as emergency management, economic development, and regional wellness activities.

Born from the success of the Tri-Council, the Alberta North Central Alliance (ANCA or the Alliance), established in 2021, represents a formalized and meaningful commitment between five municipalities and four First Nations to build strong, enduring, and transparent inter-governmental relationships for the betterment of all peoples of the North Central Region. This relationship provides ANCA with a unique opportunity to identify and act upon opportunities that provide shared benefits across the region.

As a region, we understand that the path forward for economic success, truth and reconciliation, and the well-being of all Canadians is dependent on real, meaningful, and equal partnerships.