ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF 2020 CULTURAL FESTIVAL DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(July 7, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) – Athabasca Tribal Council has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Cultural Festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After careful consideration, and out of utmost concern for the safety and well-being of community members, our Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s anticipated Cultural Festival,” said ATC CEO Karla Buffalo.
Originally scheduled for September 10-13, 2020, the Indigenous arts and cultural festival was gearing up to once again showcase, celebrate, and foster the development of Northern Alberta’s diverse and distinctive First Nations arts and culture, building on the success of last year’s extraordinarily well-received inaugural festival.
“Above all else, ensuring the health and well-being of our communities is our number one priority,” said ATC President, Chief Allan Adam. “We must base our decisions and plans for the coming months with that in mind.”
The 2019 Cultural Festival presented by Syncrude was a huge success with community attendance over 5,000 in three days.
“It was so exciting to see so many people, gathering together to celebrate the beautiful arts and culture and traditional cultural practices of our region’s Dene, Cree, and Métis people,” said Chief Allan Adam. “We look forward to hosting the Cultural Festival again once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.”
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About ATC
Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves our First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca.
Media Contact
Karla Buffalo
Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council
karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538