Indigenous leaders worry how a year of lost cultural gatherings impacts their communities April 29, 2021 Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Indigenous leaders worry about how losing cultural gatherings this past year is impacting the mental health of their communities, as well as opportunities to celebrate their culture. Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), and board president of the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC), said losing cultural gatherings is one of many factors hurting mental health in Fort Chipewyan. The community usually hosts seven cultural events annually that bring people together. “You’re really starting to see the social impacts of not gathering. People are wandering around feeling lost and isolated,” said Adam. “Cultural activities keep people together.”