ATC Cultural Fest, 2025. Web image
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — The Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival marked its fifth anniversary earlier this month with record participation, expanded programming and a promise to return in 2026.
The four-day festival, presented by Centerfire, ran Sept. 11–14 at J. Howard Pew Memorial Park and showcased Cree and Dene culture through ceremonies, teachings, music and storytelling.
Chief Allan Adam, president of ATC and chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, said the growth of the festival shows the strength and resilience of Indigenous culture in the region.
“All this started in 2017 with just one tipi at the Snye,” Adam said. “From that, to the first festival in 2019, to this fifth celebration in 2025, all have far surpassed our dreams. This is a celebration of our cultures, a way to honour our ancestors, and share our stories. We show the next generations that our culture is alive and thriving.”
This year’s programming included a pipe ceremony, grand entry and public cultural teachings with Knowledge Keepers for the first time. More than 650 students took part in an education program while the Traditional Village, Elders’ Tent and Children and Youth Village drew large crowds.
The weekend featured a hand games tournament, cultural workshops, live performances including “On the River,” and an Indigenous gift shop that generated nearly $43,000 in sales. The event relied on the support of more than 350 volunteers.
Karla Buffalo, ATC’s CEO, called the festival one of the region’s signature cultural celebrations.
“Its success is due to the leadership and support of the five First Nations communities, Elders, artists, volunteers, and partners,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to all who have made this festival possible.”
Organizers confirmed the festival will return to J. Howard Pew Memorial Park in Waterways in 2026.
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