ATC CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2024, PRESENTED BY CENTERFIRE, CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL EVENT WITH 14,000 ATTENDEES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 –October 23, 2024) — The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) Cultural Festival, presented by Centerfire, is excited to announce the success of its 2024 edition. From September 12 to 15, 14,000 attendees gathered to celebrate the vibrant Cree and Dene cultures, showcasing the rich traditions and spirit of these communities.
“This festival truly demonstrates the strength and vibrancy of our cultures,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “Seeing so many people, from our communities and beyond, come together to celebrate our culture and traditions is inspiring. We’re already planning for next year and exploring new ways to engage everyone even more deeply with our heritage.”
The ATC Cultural Festival is an important event in this region, and it would not have been possible without the support and leadership of the five First Nations communities and their members.
A major highlight this year was the addition of the Learning Lodge, which honoured the 125th anniversary of the Treaty 8 signing. The festival opened in a good way with a Pipe Ceremony on September 11, led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Throughout the four-day festival, the Elders enjoyed a variety of activities, including traditional crafts, Bingo, and a Crib tournament, thanks to the support of Bouchier. The festival also featured an exciting lineup of performances on the Imperial Mainstage, with acts such as Morgan Toney, Logan Staats, The Bearhead Sisters, Nicely Put Together, Powwow Dancing, and more, celebrating Canadian Indigenous culture and fashion. Sincere gratitude to Fort McKay First Nation for generously donating the stage and contributing additional valuable items to our event.
The Hand Games tournament, presented by Acden, saw 18 teams competing intensely, showcasing skills and fostering friendly competition. The Education Program, presented by Tuccaro, which ran on September 12 and 13, was another standout, with 500 students from urban and rural schools participating in hands-on activities like Métis jigging, moose hide tanning, and traditional teachings.
The festival's commitment to cultural preservation was evident in the workshops led by 25 artists, who conducted 70 sessions on Indigenous crafts and skills. Registration for these workshops filled quickly, reflecting the community’s eagerness to learn and participate.
Community members from all five First Nations warmly welcomed attendees to the Traditional Village, where they shared traditional foods and demonstrated preparation and preservation techniques. The Gathering Tent, accommodating nearly 500 people, was a hub of activity with meals provided by Mikisew Group and ATCO.
The Gift Shop & Gallery, presented by CNRL, featured products from 61 Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, generating significant revenue that directly supports these creators and contributes to economic reconciliation. A total of 61 artists sold items, generating nearly $70,000 in revenue.
The festival also featured engaging programs for babies, toddlers, and youth, with activities ranging from traditional crafts to face painting, thanks to sponsors like ConocoPhillips and Pathways Alliance. Gratitude to our Bannock and Tea partners, Hammerstone, Fort McKay Group of Companies, Inter Pipeline, Indigenous Climate Action, and Dukes Building Supplies, for their generous support and collaboration.
The success of the festival was made possible by the tremendous efforts of over 200 volunteers, coordinated by FuseSocial. ATC extends heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and 50 partners who contributed, including those providing gift-in-kind support.
Looking ahead, the ATC Cultural Festival 2025 is scheduled for September 11-14, 2025. ATC is now offering partnership opportunities to businesses wishing to support Indigenous culture in the Wood Buffalo region.
For more information, 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
