Northern Whooping Crane Festival highlights conservation and collaboration in Fort Smith, N.W.T.

This weekend, the town of Fort Smith N.W.T., is hosting its inaugural Northern Whooping Crane Festival. The event celebrates the rare and elusive whooping cranes and highlights the local conservation efforts.

The festival is also the first collaborative effort by the Thebacha Leadership Council which was formed in July 2024 following the signing of a memorandum of agreement, strengthening their ability to work together on shared priorities.

The agreement was designed to formalize a long-standing relationship between the four community governments, the Salt River First Nation, Smith's Landing First Nation, Fort Smith Métis Council, and the Town of Fort Smith. 

"The Whooping Crane Festival was a priority of the Thebacha Leadership Council," said Daniel Wiltzen, the economic and tourism development officer for the Town of Fort Smith. 

Wiltzen said the mayor and leaders of the respective organizations all shared the same passion for this project, and were able to move it forward.

"I think people will enjoy seeing all of the organizations share resources to put on a large event," he said. "This is really a great opportunity to see what Fort Smith can really do,"

Wiltzen said it's going to be a great weekend full of activities for youth and adults. Attendees can enjoy a new exhibit at the Northern Life Museum, a Drum Dance, a dark sky viewing, on-the-land activities, and a pancake breakfast.

Whooping crane is 'huge' tourism opportunity

Whooping crane conservation efforts have been ongoing for decades, Wiltzen said. At one point in the early 1900s, the species' numbers dwindled to fewer than 40 birds, making its conservation critically important.

"Preserving natural features and wildlife is a huge priority for Fort Smith and I would assume for northern communities."

The festival aims to raise awareness about whooping cranes but Wiltzen said this is also a first attempt at providing a tourism opportunity around the whooping cranes. Guided tours and educational activities will introduce attendees to the crane's habitat.

"They are mysterious birds," he said, adding that tourism that focuses on them is "a huge opportunity for us to investigate further" he said.

And while spotting a whooping crane during the festival may be difficult, Wiltzen said the mystery of the bird adds to the festival's appeal.

"Typically, they're very hidden, elusive birds," he said. "And I don't even know if we'll be able to see any this weekend, but that's sort of the draw in itself."

Wiltzen said the festival is an opportunity to celebrate a rare species and it's also a testament to Fort Smith's commitment to conservation and collaboration, it's a chance to showcase what the town can do and he's excited for everyone to experience it.

"This is a great opportunity to put Fort Smith on the global map, and we're excited to see it happen."

Guided medicine walk

Emily Prescott, the emergency management and event coordinator for Smith's Landing First Nation (SLFN), said she's excited for people to both experience the event and to have an opportunity to learn about the SLFN's conservation work.

"We have a huge presence on Saturday, on-the-land day," she said. 

"We have been taking initiatives in saving the whooping crane clan, and we're excited to share that work with people." 

Prescott is also helping to organize a guided medicine walk led by Elder Louie Beaulieu, who will showcase the cultural significance and history of the land at Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta – a roughly 20 minute drive south of Fort Smith.

"The walk will give participants a deeper connection to both the land and the wildlife that inhabits it," Prescott said. "As well as showcase how beautiful the land is there."

"Fort Fitzgerald is rich in history and culture. I'm really excited that we get to showcase this land and showcase what Smith Landing [First Nation] truly means as a nation," she said.

The whooping crane is a keystone species, Prescott said. It's crucial for maintaining the health of the ecosystem, and she said the festival will serve as a reminder that the protection of these birds has wider environmental impacts.

"People should come out to get a better understanding of this beautiful bird that comes to our area," she said. "We should all be proud of the fact that something so foreign trusts our land and our community to keep it safe."