Indigenous Dancer, ATC 2024
ATC Cultural Festival marks fifth anniversary with new location in Waterways
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — The Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival is marking its fifth anniversary with a new home in Fort McMurray’s Waterways neighbourhood.
The annual celebration of Cree and Dene culture will take place September 11 to 14 at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park, a site with deep ancestral ties to the Hangingstone and Clearwater rivers.
“Our people’s connection to the land in Waterways is well known,” said ATC President Chief Allan Adam. “With the Festival’s new location, I know that our Elders, knowledge keepers, and artists will feel the strength of our ancestral connection to the land.”
The venue change follows ongoing construction at Snye Point Park, where previous festivals were held. Organizers say the new site will offer more immersive experiences for guests while honouring the traditional territory of local First Nations.
Student programming will take place on Thursday, with schools from across the region attending cultural teachings and hands-on activities. Public programming opens Friday and continues through the weekend, featuring Dene Hand games, storytelling, Indigenous art, and the popular traditional village.
Festival organizers say the event has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings in the Wood Buffalo region.
“We are truly humbled and inspired by the incredible success of the ATC Cultural Festival,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “Reaching this five-year milestone is a remarkable achievement. The ATC team welcomes your families and friends to experience the vibrant traditions, languages, and cultures of the Cree and Dene peoples.”
Organizers are seeking local businesses and organizations interested in supporting the festival through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, or volunteer teams.
More details are available at www.atcculturalfestival.ca.
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