ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL AND YMM DANCE COMPANY PARTNER WITH BOUCHIER TO ESTABLISH ONGOING POWWOW DANCE CLASSES IN REGION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(September 14, 2024, Fort McMurray, AB) – YMM Dance Company and the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) are thrilled to announce Bouchier as founding sponsor of ongoing powwow dance classes starting September 28, 2024. This exciting initiative is a collaborative effort with YMM Dance Company and the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC).

The dance classes will showcase a variety of powwow dance styles, including Traditional, Jingle, Fancy, and Grass Dance. The program will also feature mentorship for local dance teachers to develop sustainable and locally-driven dance programming for both urban and rural communities.

“ATC is excited to bring more cultural programming to our region that will support cultural revitalization,” says Karla Buffalo, Chief Executive Officer of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “The ATC Cultural Festival this weekend demonstrated that it is important that we champion ongoing and accessible cultural programming throughout the year such as the new dance classes being offered through this partnership.”

Bouchier’s commitment to powwow dance reflects a broader dedication to enhancing Indigenous cultural engagement in the region. “We hope to ignite momentum for others to join us in strengthening Indigenous art and culture,” said Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Co-Owner and CEO of Bouchier. “By increasing access to cultural learning such as Powwow dancing, our partnership with YMM Dance and the Athabasca Tribal Council aims to shape and enrich the region.”

YMM Dance Company will provide space and coordination for the powwow dance classes as their contribution to the initiative. Melinda Richter, owner, said that “YMM Dance Company’s principles of reconciliation and cultural revitalization align with this partnership, and they are honoured to work with ATC and Bouchier to offer these teachings regularly.”

The classes will be held monthly until winter, as efforts continue to secure additional and sustainable funding.  Corporate sponsors interested in supporting this vital cultural programming are encouraged to contact Elena Gould, Director of Education, Culture & Language at the Athabasca Tribal Council.

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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.

For more information:

Karla Buffalo

Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council

karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca

Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538