Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival Draws 14,000 Attendees in Fort McMurray
FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) has released the numbers from its 2024 Cultural Festival. From September 12th to 15th, the celebration drew over 14,000 attendees to Snye Point Park making it one of the largest annual cultural gatherings in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. The event showcased Cree, Dene, and Métis traditions, including a Dene Hand Games tournament, an Elder’s pipe ceremony, and a Traditional Village. The festival also marked the 125th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 8, which was honoured at the festival’s Learning Lodge.
“This festival truly demonstrates the strength and vibrancy of our cultures,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “Seeing so many people, from our communities and beyond, come together to celebrate our culture and traditions is inspiring. We’re already planning for next year and exploring new ways to engage everyone even more deeply with our heritage.”
The 2025 ATC Cultural Festival is scheduled for September 11-14.