News

June 29, 2026 (Treaty No. 8 Territory|Fort McMurray, Alberta) – Chipewyan Prairie First Nation (CPFN) and Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) have successfully advanced a legal process designed to help ensure First Nation children remain connected to their Nation, family, culture and community.

As part of a recent court proceeding, CPFN and ATC's Child and Family Services developed a court-enforceable Cultural Plan that was incorporated into a private guardianship order. The Cultural Plan sets out how the child will remain connected to their family, community, language, culture and Nation throughout their life.

The ATC Cultural Festival will now take place every other year, with the next Festival scheduled for September 2027.

This decision reflects the Festival’s growth, and ATC’s exciting plans to proceed with cultural celebrations that extend for longer periods throughout the summer within the urban area of Fort McMurray.  These new activities will be an important supplement to the Cultural Festival in 2027 and onward.

The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is pleased to announce the 3Nolans (Ted Nolan and his sons, Brandon and Jordan Nolan) as the keynote speakers for the upcoming ATC Career Fair taking place April 15-16, 2026, at the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre. The ATC Career Fair is open to all and places a strong focus on supporting First Nations and Indigenous people as they pursue education, employment, and long-term career goals.