Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 4 – art and sport.
Art and sport are the heartbeat of Indigenous communities and demonstrate the strength, resiliency and beauty of Indigenous Peoples and culture. Art and sport also provide a common ground for all to connect and advance reconciliation.
Your challenge this week: Immerse yourself in art and sport
This is an exciting week in Wood Buffalo, with so much to see and do!
Join other challenge participants at an exclusive event on Sept. 6: An Evening Conversation on Truth and Reconciliation with artist Frederick McDonald and Friends. Join us from 6 pm – 8 pm as renowned Fort McKay artist Frederick McDonald reads from his recently published poetry book, Dreams and Journeys at a gallery showing of his exquisite artwork in Council Chambers. Spots are limited.
Be sure to check out Athabasca Tribal Council’s Culture Festival at Snye Point Park from Sept. 8-11! This regional showcase of Indigenous artists, musicians, and culture is back, building on the success of the inaugural festival in 2019. Please visit the cultural festival website for more details on the event and activities.
There’s even more to look forward to in Indigenous arts and sports in Wood Buffalo!
Arctic Winter Games 2023
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is proud to be hosting the upcoming Arctic Winter Games (AWG) from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2023. The Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is committed to following on the path of truth and reconciliation.
The 2023 AWG mascot is Nitotem. Born just north of Fort Chipewyan in the Wood Buffalo National Park, Nitotem – Cree for “my friend” and pronounced Nih-toe-team – was given his name by the other animals in the boreal forest.
Nitotem was brought to life by Sadie Antoine of Fort McMurray, also a member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Her illustration was the winning submission chosen in the mascot design contest. You can find Nitotem at events across the region, sharing his excitement for the Games!
AWG also highlights the Dene Games. The Dene Games are rooted in traditional and cultural value of First Nations people and feature five unique events – finger pull, snowsnake, stick pull, hand games (team) and pole push (team).
Learn more about how AWG is committed to truth and reconciliation, including the Games’ land acknowledgment, which has also been translated to Cree and Dene.
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Want to learn more?
- RMWB unveils Indigenous Reconciliation Artworks for Council Chambers
- Wood Buffalo Public Art Plan
- YMM Magazine: Walking in Two Worlds
- ATC Cultural Festival 2019
- Orange Jersey Project – Hockey