Indigenous performing artist Ernest Monias headlines Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Fort McMurray, AB - August 26, 2022) The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is excited to announce the headlining performing artists of the Imperial Oil Mainstage Concert at the ATC Cultural Festival. 

Ernest Monias headlines the mainstage on Saturday evening. Known as the “Elvis of the North,” Monias has 18 albums that range over different genres of music such as gospel, country and rock. His stage presence charms audiences across Canada. Monias is a residential school survivor and has loved music for as long as he can remember. He taught himself guitar, and by 15 years old, he was singing and playing his own music. 

Also playing the mainstage on Saturday is Stephanie Harpe Experience (S.H.E), known for her high-energy rock music, S.H.E started her band in 2005 and has opened for some of the biggest names in music. Stephanie is a proud member of Fort McKay First Nation and will be a favourite for locals and the region's visitors.

A regional favourite, Nicely Put Together Band will open the mainstage on Saturday playing a mix of country, folk and rock classics. 

“Music is a key component to all cultures. Our festival showcases the traditional songs with our drums along with the modern performances from talented Indigenous acts influencing today and tomorrow's aspiring youth,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council. “I’m excited to share these experiences with everyone who attends the festival.” 

Indigenous communities of the region will gather at Snye Point Park in Fort McMurray to celebrate Cree, Déne and Métis culture, languages, and traditions. The whole region is welcome to join, participate, and learn about regional Indigenous culture. 

The festival is free to attend with various family-friendly arts and cultural programming that will be held during the four-day event from September 8-11, 2022. The Festival starts on Thursday, attendees can enjoy traditional hands-on presentations at the Cultural Village, including a Hand Games tournament. The little ones can also learn about Indigenous arts and cultures at Bouchier Kid’s Korner. Attendees will be able to enter to win door prizes, including a trip for two to Tucson, Arizona generously donated by the Fort McMurray International Airport.  

“The ATC Cultural Festival showcases Indigenous artists and performers from the region, along with workshops and demonstrations focused on the cultural revitalization of Cree and Déne people of Northern Alberta,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of Athabasca Tribal Council. Chief Adam invites “all people in the RMWB to celebrate our Culture.”

Every day, community lunches will be offered with the generous support of CNRL, the Fort McMurray Golf Club, CIVEO, ESS and others. The Regional Recreational Corporation of Wood Buffalo will be providing a Community Feast Saturday night at the gathering tent. 

Treaty 8 will proudly honour elders during the event. Volunteer support is fueled by TC Energy and supported by the North Star Ford Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre and Fuse Social. Everyone who wants to volunteer during the event can sign up at www.woodbuffalovolunteers.ca.

The entire schedule for the weekend is now available online, visit www.atcculturalfestival.ca for more information. 

For more information about the ATC Cultural Festival, visits www.atcculturalfestival.ca.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information about these or any other ATC programs, please contact Elena Gould at 780-881-6137 or email elena.gould@atcfn.ca.

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ABOUT ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL 

Athabasca Tribal Council is an organization that serves ATC First Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health and prosperity of its people. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of inherent rights, Treaty Rights, and their Traditional Territories while respecting the autonomy of each Nation. For information, visit atcfn.ca. 

For more information or for media inquiries: 

Karla Buffalo, Chief Executive Officer, Athabasca Tribal Council

karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca |Main Office Phone: (780) 791-6538