THE ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL CULTURAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY IN NEW LOCATION
(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 – July 21, 2025) - The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is proud to announce that the 5th anniversary of the ATC Cultural Festival, presented by Centerfire Energy Group (Centerfire), will be held at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park, in Waterways, Fort McMurray.
“Our people’s connection to the land in Waterways is well known with the Hangingstone and Clearwater rivers,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “With the Festival’s new location at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park, I know that our Elders, knowledge keepers, and artists will feel the strength of our ancestral connection to the land. This will add to their teachings and cultural celebrations during the Festival”.
The new location will allow the Festival to offer hands-on cultural experiences to the public, celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions from September 11 to 14.
There will be dedicated student programming on Thursday, September 11, as schools from across the region are invited to participate in a full day of cultural teachings. Public programming will be open to all on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Festival has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated events, showcasing the vibrant and diverse Cree and Dene cultures of the First Nations in the Wood Buffalo Region. Highlights include the Dene Hand games, art, storytelling, and the traditional village, which honours the rich heritage of the Cree and Dene First Nations.
"We are truly humbled and inspired by the incredible success of the ATC Cultural Festival. Reaching this five-year milestone of the Festival is a remarkable achievement for everyone who has worked so hard and for those who have participated in this event,” expressed Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “The ATC team welcomes your families and friends to experience the vibrant traditions, languages, and cultures of the Cree and Dene peoples during this special fifth anniversary celebration.”
The ATC Cultural Festival is actively connecting with businesses and organizations that wish to support the Festival with a partnership. Sponsorships, gift-in-kind partnerships, and volunteering teams are all welcome. More information can be found at https://www.atcculturalfestival.ca/partnerships, or you can contact ATC's Events Coordinator, Misty Preshyon-Snook at 780-792-9885 or email Misty.preshyon-snook@atcfn.ca
To learn more about the ATC Cultural Festival, please visit https://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