ATC CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025, PRESENTED BY CENTERFIRE, MARKS 5TH ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPANDED PUBLIC ACCESS TO INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 – September 26, 2025)– The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) Cultural Festival, presented by Centerfire, marked its fifth anniversary September 11–14 at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park. Festival-goers gathered to celebrate Cree and Dene cultures alongside the First Nation communities who have lived in this region since time immemorial.
“All this started in 2017 with just one tipi at the Snye,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of ATC and Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “From that, to the first Festival in 2019, to this fifth celebration in 2025, all have far surpassed our dreams. This is a celebration of our cultures, a way to honour our ancestors, and share our stories. We show the next generations that our culture is alive and thriving.”
The Festival began with a Pipe Ceremony in the Learning Lodge. Opening Ceremonies, presented by MNP, featured the Grand Entry, which included delegates from all levels of government, First Nations, Métis, and Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi.
More than 650 students from across the region participated in the Education Program. For the first time, free Public Cultural Teachings with Knowledge Keepers were introduced through the support of Suncor. Knowledge Keepers shared skills, including moose hide tanning, moose meat preservation, fish filleting, duck harvesting, tipi teachings, language, storytelling, and traditional plant uses.
On the mainstage presented by Imperial, a highlight of the weekend was the live performance of “On the River,”. The story of Fort McKay and the late Chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde, Alberta’s first elected female Chief.
The Hand Games Tournament, presented by Acden, brought together sixteen teams. A combined team from Fort McKay and Fort Chipewyan earned first place. In the Elders’ Tent, presented by Pomeroy Hotel, visitors enjoyed crafts, bingo, and crib tournaments. Families gathered in the Children and Youth Village for cultural teachings and storytelling.
“What began as a dream is now one of the region’s signature cultural celebrations,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of ATC. “Its success is due to the leadership and support of the five First Nations communities, Elders, artists, volunteers, and partners. I am deeply grateful to all who have made this Festival possible.”
The Traditional Village, supported by ATC’s five First Nations and Wood Buffalo Pride, featured food, cultural practices, and teachings. Daily meals were provided by ESS and ATCO. Workshops led by local artists reconnected participants with traditional crafts. The Gift Shop, presented by CNRL, showcased Indigenous artists and generated nearly $43,000 in sales.
The Festival also recognized the efforts of more than 350 volunteers, coordinated by FuseSocial, whose contributions ensured a safe and welcoming cultural space.
The ATC Cultural Festival will return in 2026 at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park in Waterways. Partnership opportunities are now open for businesses eager to walk with us in supporting Indigenous culture and strengthening community in the Wood Buffalo region. To learn more, visit www.atcculturalfestival.ca.
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