The 2024 ATC Cultural Festival, presented by Centerfire

Learning Lodge Photo Gallery

Ceremonial Helpers, with the guidance and direction of Elders, built a Cree-style learning lodge centred in the Traditional Village. Over three full days before the Festival began, the helpers, their relatives and friends harvested birch and willow, framed and constructed the lodge, and covered it with canvas tarps. They returned to the bush to harvest spruce boughs to line the floor and draped furs and medicines throughout the lodge to create a welcoming learning space for all.

The helpers were of all ages and walks of life, with representation from all five Nations that ATC serves and more. Building the learning lodge was a true representation of working together and helping one another, and it resulted in a gift that brought healing to anyone who walked through it. Throughout the Festival, the Helpers tended the sacred fire, helped with the pipe ceremonies and feasts, and even sang for a traditional wedding.

ATC shares gratitude to the Elders who gifted this knowledge to the Ceremonial Helpers. We are especially proud of these young people and their dedication to learning and helping in a good way.

We would like to thank Thunderbird Inc. for their knowledge sharing, support, and guidance in revitalizing the knowledge of traditional lodges with the participants of the Program.

The Ceremonial Helpers Program is made possible through generous contributions from the Government of Alberta - Indigenous Relations.

Images in this gallery can be shared by community members of the Wood Buffalo region, or for media editorial purposes only.
For credit and usage information, please visit the main gallery page. Copyright © Athabasca Tribal Council - All rights reserved.