ATC - Athabasca Tribal Council

10/07/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 14, 2026

Take your future into your own hands by becoming a Haul Truck Operator!

ATC's Indigenous Haul Truck Operator Program is now accepting applications from First Nations, Inuit & Métis individuals living in Fort McMurray who are 18 years of age or older.

The 4-week, in-person program takes place from November 16 - December 11, 2026 and includes:
🚚Simulated operator training
🚚Life management skills-building
🚚Employment skills-building
🚚Safety training
🚚Haul Truck Operator training
Program qualifications include:
🚚Grade 12 diploma or equivalent (GED or CAEC), or have at least 10 years of work experience.
🚚Class 5 license non-GDL
🚚Clear Driver’s Abstract
🚚Pass a physical demands test
🚚Pass a Drug and Alcohol Test.

If you are interested in this program, please contact:
Melanie Fost
Employment & Training Coordinator
780-713-5355 | [email protected]

More information is available at atcfn.ca/haul-truck

ATC recommends applying early as spots are limited. Applications will be accepted until October 14, 2026.

10/06/2026

🍽️ 🍂🍲 You're invited to the annual Fort Chipewyan Fall Community Feast! 🍲🍂🍽️

Enjoy a delicious traditional meal with great company this October 24 at Mamawi Hall in Fort Chipewyan. ALL community members are welcome to join us for moose, beef stew and bannock. Yum!

The Fall Community Fest is fun for the whole family with a dedicated Kids Zone, tons of fantastic door prizes and the opportunity to show off your best moose call in our Moose Calling Competition!

🗓️ Saturday, October 24
⏰ 11AM - 2:00PM
📍 Mamawi Hall, Fort Chipewyan

The event is open to all community members.

See you soon and don't forget to bring your appetite!

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

The Alberta Referendum takes place on October 19, 2026. Here are helpful voting information and official resources that will be shared over the coming weeks.

📆 ALBERTA REFERENDUM 2026 Important Dates to Know

❌ October 13 – 17 – Advance voting is open.
📬 October 16 – Deadline for Elections Alberta to receive completed special ballots by mail.
❌ October 19 – Election Day

For all official referendum and voting information, please visit Elections Alberta’s website:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/ See less

10/01/2026

NEW RELEASE: Athabasca Tribal Council Welcomed Meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to Discuss Pacific Link Pipeline

– On September 30, the five First Nations’ Chiefs of Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) met with the prime minister to discuss the proposed designation of the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest.

The regional First Nations came to the meeting with significant environmental and human health concerns - the Nations are located at the extraction point and, as a result, face the largest impacts. At the meeting, the prime minister noted that future, ongoing consultation will support responsible co-development. He also acknowledged the importance of environmental regulations.

The regional First Nations agreed to take immediate next steps to confirm the process for co-development of the conditions precedent for the project to include environmental protections, understand cumulative impacts and economic reconciliation. The regional First Nations look forward to ensuring their relationship with the Crown is honoured and the rights of Treaty No. 8 are protected.

Read the full news release: https://www.atcfn.ca/news-releases/athabasca-tribal-council-welcomed-meeting-with-prime-minister-mark-carney-to-discuss-pacific-link-pipeline

10/01/2026

Today is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Elders and seniors for the knowledge, wisdom and guidance they share.

Elders are respected knowledge keepers, healers, and trusted advisors, helping preserve traditions, languages and teachings.

Take time today to connect with an Elder in your family or community. Listen to their stories and learn from their experiences.

To all Elders and seniors, thank you for sharing wisdom, strength, and teachings that will be carried forward for future generations.

09/30/2026

September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today, we pause to reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation.

In this message, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council, Karla Buffalo shares her reflections on the significance of this day, the importance of remembering and honouring those impacted, and the role of connection, learning, and actions in advancing reconciliation.

Child Matters

09/29/2026

The ATC Office will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We take this day to honour the children, survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

Please ensure all Medical Transportation is scheduled by 4:30 pm, September 29.

The ATC office will reopen at 8:30 am on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

09/26/2026

ID registration services taking place today until 6:00 pm and Sunday, Sept 27 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Clearwater Hotel. Further details are provided below:

In partnership with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the First Nations Health Consortium, Indian Registration Coordinators will be available to assist First Nations Peoples in applying for Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) cards or renewals ahead of the October 19 Alberta referendum.
Visit the Indian Registration Outreach Services team this weekend:
📍Clearwater Hotel, Fort McMurray
🗓️Sat, Sept. 26
⏰10AM - 6PM
📍Clearwater Hotel, Fort McMurray
🗓️Sun, Sept. 27
⏰9AM - 5PM
At this time, we cannot accommodate applications from those who wish to apply through Bill S-2 as the bill has not yet passed.
For assistance, support and questions, please contact Lyn Chartrand at 780-799-2461. To arrange transportation to the clinic, please contact Kaya Mercredi at 780-804-6660

09/25/2026

You’re invited to the Sisters in Spirit Day vigil on October 4

As we mark Sisters in Spirit Day, join us in honouring the memories of more than 59 Missing and Murdered Loved Ones in the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo area and on Treaty 8 territory, and over 1,200 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

All are welcome to gather and remember.
When: October 4, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (no registration required)
Where: Raphael Cree Boat Launch, Fort McMurray, AB

Here’s what to expect:

5:30 pm - Gathering and blessing of the meal (soup and bannock with tea and coffee)

6:00 pm - Welcoming remarks

6:10 pm - Opening Prayer (Cree): Robert Cree
Dene Prayer: Carla Billette
Drum Song: Robert Cree

6:30 pm - Guest speakers

7:00 pm - Candlelight vigil honouring loved ones with photos

7:45 pm - Closing reflection, prayers, and drum songs

8:00 pm - The vigil concludes

Help us raise awareness about systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people and move towards a more just world where gender-based violence is eradicated.

Questions? Reach out to Stacy Billette at 780-370-6578 or by email at [email protected].