I have been Blessed that for over the last 35 years, this area has been my home. It lies within the *Historical* and *Traditional Lands* of the *Treaty 8 First Nations* and Metis in Northern Alberta, Canada. Commonly known as the Lesser Slave Lake area, or Big Lake County. It is with sincerity that I wish to express my respect to the *Traditional People, Land*, the *Water*, and the *Animals* that live here. It is with great excitement that I will be sharing some personal interactions with you.

Traditional Lands: My Home
By Keith Denoncourt

Just the other day, Brody Teale and I were going over the filming schedule for Non-Typical Nation. Yes, we’re truly blessed. This season, Brody, Troy, and I will be visiting some outstanding destinations and sharing incredible worldwide adventures with you.

For example, Brody will be filming once again near the Arctic with Kevin McNeil of Canadian Wildlife Adventures. Later this year, Brody, Amy, and I will also be heading to South Africa to visit Boris Basso of Basso Safaris. These destinations are beyond amazing! It's not just the wildlife in abundance—it’s the ecosystems and cultural differences that make these places so enriching to explore. Experiencing such diversity firsthand has brought incredible personal value, and I can’t wait to return to these places again and again.

If you're dreaming of your own Non-Typical Nation adventure, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help bring your dream destination to life.

But it's not just about faraway places—many of our upcoming Non-Typical Nation episodes will be filmed right near home. When Brody and I look around Northern Alberta, we see endless local adventures just waiting to happen. For any outdoor enthusiast, there’s something exciting to do here year-round. How cool is it that we get to share these experiences right from our own backyard?

For Brody, Amy, and myself, home is Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta. While the area is known for its forestry and oil & gas industries, it’s also steeped in the traditional values and knowledge of local First Nations and Métis Elders—values that Non-Typical Nation proudly works to represent with care and respect.

The town of Slave Lake offers strong family infrastructure and access to a stunning natural environment. From the vibrant boreal forest and provincial park to an abundance of wildlife, songbirds, and fish, this area is full of places to explore. Summer watersports are a favorite on the lake, but fishing is popular all year long. For those new to the region, several knowledgeable outfitters can help point you in the right direction.

With a wide range of hunting opportunities nearby, it’s easy to see why this is our dream place to live. Devonshire Beach boasts one of Alberta’s best beaches, and there's a fantastic golf course not far away. Local gun clubs are active and popular, and in the winter, cross-country ski trails are open, along with hundreds of kilometers of ATV trails for year-round adventure.

Whether you're visiting or living here, there's something for everyone. If you have questions about tourism opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact us—or visit the local tourism website at www.slavelakeregion.ca.

I’m excited to bring these amazing destinations and stories to life for you.

Thank you for respecting wildlife and the environment. Always support a non-profit conservation organization.

— Keith