The second edition Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival presented by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Fort McKay First Nation draws more than 10,000 participants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

(Fort McMurray–September 16, 2022) The second edition of the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) Cultural Festival was a success in showcasing and revitalizing Indigenous culture and traditions with an estimated more than 10,000 people attending or participating at Snye Point Park over the four-day long festival.

“The ATC Cultural Festival started out as a community gathering for Indigenous people, to share knowledge and learn from our Elders,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “The interest from the public to learn about the diverse cultures of the region has made the Festival grow to be a successful cultural experience. I am so proud of the team at ATC for creating a space for teaching, learning and reconciliation at such a large and welcoming event.”

This year, the Festival included more than 80 workshops, over 150 Indigenous artists showcasing their craft, hands on demonstrations to learn land based teachings, traditional meals prepared by communities and Indigenous entertainment on the Imperial Oil Mainstage.

“The Snye has always been a traditional gathering place for Indigenous people in Wood Buffalo. It is such an honour to be able to bring people together from all walks of life to experience and celebrate Indigenous culture,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO, Athabasca Tribal Council. “On behalf of ATC I’d like to thank each and every Elder, Knowledge Keeper, Indigenous community, partner, sponsor, artist, volunteer and guest for helping make this year’s Festival a success.”

Highlights from the Festival include the workshops showcasing Indigenous art and culture that were open to Indigenous community members and the public to participate in. As well as, the Déne Hand Games Tournament with 12 teams participating, for a total of 72 players, with the winning team being Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. The Cultural Village included traditional teachings with Elders from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, along with McMurray Métis and Fort Chipewyan Métis Association. Treaty 8 was also part of the Cultural Village, speaking with guests about the history of Indigenous people in the region and about the importance of Treaty 8 and the traditional territory we stand on today. Guests also watched Cree and Déne drumming and dancers, participated in round dances and tea dances, and purchased Indigenous artworks and products from the Gallery & Gift Shop presented by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism.

An event of this caliber would not be possible without volunteers. More than 400 community members were recruited with help from our partners at Fuse Social and the Northstar Ford Volunteer Centre. These volunteers stepped up to lend a hand before, during and after the four-day event, and our partners at TC Energy supported the volunteers by keeping them fueled in the volunteer lounge all weekend long.

The ATC Cultural Festival 2022 was supported by 67 sponsorship partners. Their contributions helped ATC achieve creating this successful community event.

By the numbers: 

• 67 community partners and corporate sponsors

• 80+ workshops 

• 400+ volunteers

• 1700+ volunteer hours

• 150+ artists participated 

• 600+ students through Thursday and Friday in the formal school program 

• 15,000+ servings of food shared

• 10,000+ participants over four days

 The ATC Board of Directors heard a clear message from the entire community – that this festival is needed to support the revitalization of Indigenous culture, language and reconciliation in the region. For more information about the festival visit www.atcculturalfestival.ca.

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ABOUT ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL 

Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves ATC 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. 

For more information or for media inquiries: 

Karla Buffalo, Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council

karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca |Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538