SUNCOR ANNOUNCED AS CULTURAL HONORIA PARTNER AT THE 2024 ATC CULTURAL FESTIVAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 – July 25, 2024)—The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is pleased to announce that Suncor will be this year’s Cultural Honoria partner at the 2024 ATC Cultural Festival. This partnership highlights Suncor’s ongoing commitment to honouring the importance of Indigenous culture and supporting revitalizing the traditions of the local Cree, Dene and Métis peoples.
“The ATC Cultural Festival is a space to celebrate our diverse cultures. There was a time when we could only pass on traditions in secret, as they were outlawed by the governments of the time,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “Suncor’s partnership highlights the importance of passing on traditional knowledge to the next generations and the community members who are eager to learn.”
The Cultural Honoria presented by Suncor will allow the ATC Cultural Festival to ensure that all the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and drummers who the Festival has asked to provide teachings, knowledge, ceremony, or skills are honoured for their time and the gifts of knowledge of the Cree, Dene, and Métis cultures.
“Suncor is grateful for the opportunity to honour those providing Indigenous cultural knowledge to the ATC Cultural Festival,” said Sandy Martin, SVP Operations, Regional Execution at Suncor. “We celebrate the vibrant cultures that make our region unique and diverse.”
“Traditional knowledge has always been valued and respected in Indigenous cultures. Elders and Knowledge Keepers have always been held in a place of honour as they provide their experience and expertise to the community, guiding the future with knowledge as old as time immemorial,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “Through the Festival, we are strengthening our community bonds and promoting understanding and respect among all people in our region. I thank Suncor for their support in honouring our cultures.”
The Festival will take place September 12-15, 2024, at Snye Point Park in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Northern Alberta, on Treaty 8 territory.
To learn more about the ATC Cultural Festival, please visit https://www.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.
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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
