HOLLY FORTIER, MIRANDA BEATON AND LEROY FONTAINE TO MC ATC CULTURAL FESTIVAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 –August 15, 2024) — Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is thrilled to announce this year’s Masters of Ceremonies for Cultural Festival, taking place from September 12 to 15, 2024, at Snye Point Park. The Festival will be hosted by three esteemed individuals, each bringing their unique backgrounds and vibrant energy to the stage.
Holly Fortier, Miranda Beaton and Leroy Fontaine will serve as the event's masters of ceremonies, guiding attendees through a weekend of cultural celebration of the rich Indigenous cultures of the Treaty 8, Wood Buffalo region.
“We are honored to welcome Holly and Miranda back this year, and we are delighted to introduce Leroy, creating a fantastic trio of MCs for this year’s festival,” remarked Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “Their energy and enthusiasm for sharing their culture with the community are always welcomed and truly inspiring!”
Holly Fortier is a proud Cree and Dene woman from Fort McKay First Nation. Holly is a successful businesswoman, mother, and Kookum. Her greatest strength lies in her powerful storytelling. Whether she is facilitating courses through her company, Nisto Consulting, or producing films with Two Canoes Media, Holly Fortier delves deep into challenging and compelling narratives.
Miranda Beaton, a Dene woman and member of the Fort McKay First Nation, was honored with YMM’s Top 50 Under 50 award in 2022. She contributes to her Nation as a Senior Human Resources Advisor and serves on the board of the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo. Additionally, she is a committee member for the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation.
Holly and Miranda are experienced co-emcees, having worked together over the past year at various events, including the ATC Cultural Festival and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games.
Leroy Fontaine, member of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, pursued his dream of becoming a professional athlete and entered the CFL draft in 2010. With two college diplomas and a bachelor’s degree, he has proven that anything is possible. For the past decade, Leroy has served as a firefighter, a motivational speaker, and an active advocate for Indigenous culture in the workplace. Indigenous social media influencer, he will bring his unique perspective to the Festival and connect with a younger generation.
The ATC Cultural Festival presented by Centerfire will feature a variety of activities, including workshops, Dene Hand Games tournament presented by Acden, and two concert nights on the Mainstage presented by Imperial.
Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8, at the Snye in 1899, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Wood Buffalo region, thanks to Suncor, the Cultural Honoria partner.
To learn more about the ATC Cultural Festival, please visit atcculturalfestival.ca.
Partnership opportunities are available and 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 for more information.
The Cultural Festival showcases an exciting lineup of activities, including traditional dance performances, Youth and Elders programming, gift shop, cultural lodge, and workshops on Indigenous crafts. We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a success. Whether you’re interested in assisting with food services, supporting the Nations at the Traditional Village or artists, your participation will be invaluable. Please visit atcculturalfestival.ca to know more about the event.
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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
