THE ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL CULTURAL FESTIVAL SIGNED A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH CENTERFIRE ENERGY GROUP AS THE PRESENTING PARTNER

Written By Joanne Meredith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB, Treaty 8 – May 8, 2024) - The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is thrilled to announce the renewal of its partnership with Centerfire Energy Group (Centerfire) for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 ATC Cultural Festivals. "The commitment of our partners year after year is what makes the ATC Cultural Festival possible. Centerfire's support for the festival is a powerful statement from an Indigenous-owned company as to the strong connection between culture, tradition, and healthy communities," said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council. "To be able to celebrate our traditions and ceremonies openly and to invite the public to participate is something generations of our ancestors could only dream of doing. I thank Centerfire and their team's commitment to ensuring this dream continues to be a reality."

The 2024 ATC Cultural Festival will take place September 12-15, 2024, at Snye Point Park in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta, on Treaty 8 territory. The Festival has become a yearly celebration of Indigenous Traditions, where people experience cultural teachings and performances. They will be able to sample traditional foods hunted and gathered in traditional ways. Cam Wodham, Chief Operating Officer of Centerfire, spoke about the importance of providing a long-term commitment to the Festival. "We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival for the next three years. The Festival has a significant impact on the well-being of all who attend. The connection and healing for the Indigenous community is apparent during the Festival. There is incredible joy seen on community members' faces at being able to celebrate who they are and their traditions.”

In addition to this year's festivities, ATC is also planning to host special activities celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8. The Festival's location at the Snye River—where the three rivers meet—is significant, as this is the location where Treaty 8 was signed by the First Nations of the region and the Canadian Government on August 4, 1899. As plans for the celebration are finalized, more details will be released.

"We are looking forward to the 2024 Festival, and we welcome everyone to bring their family and friends to experience our rich Indigenous culture during the 125th commemoration of Treaty 8," expressed Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council.

Save The Dates - ATC Cultural Festival 2025 and 2026

Note in your calendars that the Athabasca Tribal Council has confirmed the ATC Cultural Festival date for the upcoming years:

  • September 11-14, 2025

  • September 17-20, 2026

ATC is now offering one-, two-, or three-year Partnership Opportunities to businesses that want to secure their commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture in the Wood Buffalo region.

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 for more information.

To learn more about the ATC Cultural Festival, please visit https://www.atcculturalfestival.ca.


-30-

 

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

 

 

Joanne Meredith