Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT) is launching a new People in Profile Campaign.

The project showcases the stories and experiences of individuals who make Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo their home. Some people featured in the campaign are Indigenous to the land, while others have just arrived, but each tells a story about what connects them to the region.

“Authentically showcasing the connection between people and the place they share, increases our understanding of one another,” says Andrea Haley, Director of Brand, Marketing, and Communications, FMWBEDT.

“We invest in capturing real moments and people, which we hope will build a deeper understanding of the families, cultures, and pride that exists in our region.”

The People in Profile campaign draws inspiration from a previous collaboration between FMWBEDT and Public Art Wood Buffalo.

In 2021, renowned local artists Crystal Mercredi and Lucas Seaward embarked on a Pop-Up Photography Tour, capturing the unique landscapes, peoples, and cultures found throughout the region.

This tour utilized public art to strengthen the bond between individuals and the place they call home. The resulting collection of photographs, videos, and translations has been integrated into the People in Profile campaign, further reinforcing the connection between people and their environment.

One of the profiles captured for this campaign is the story of longtime residents, Paulette and Brian Bird. They are keeping the lost art of smoke-tanning moose hides alive. Beyond their own work in smoke tanning, the Birds offer hands-on workshops through the Moose Hide Factory and even sell their own handcrafted tools to anyone with a new interest in old traditions.

The People in Profile Campaign uses a variety of mediums to deepen understanding and appreciation of the community’s families, cultures, and pride.

FMWBEDT will be rolling out more profiles of residents and their lives on the People In Profile webpage in the coming weeks.