Past Buffys Events

Buffys 2023: Midnight at the Moulin Rouge was a spectacular spectacular! Hosted by drag royalty Billi Gold and Stella L'Amour, the event took place on October 21, 2023 at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts. Guests were transported to the Moulin Rouge in the heart of Paris. Performers took the stage to showcase that world class artistry is at home in Wood Buffalo. The high-energy festivities included sparkling wine, a delicious array of canapés, and a show to remember. 

Arts Administration Award: Public Art Wood Buffalo

Arts Education Award: Brooke McMillan

Craft Award: Meagan Magson

Creative Collaboration: The MMIWG2S Awareness Project by RBD Beauty Photography and Arctic Beauty

Dance Award: Nishka Rai

Indigenous Artist Award: Melinda Richter

Ken Flaherty Music Award: Mychela

Literary Arts Award: Dene Plews

Media Arts Award: Madilyn Hite

Performing Arts Award: Faith Kippenhuck

Rising Star Award: RhiAnna Albrecht

Visual Arts Award: Ashley Laurenson

Arts Champion Award: Erica Moeskau

Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan Roberts

Glamour, extravagance, romance, and the wild bohemian spirit come together to create the enchanting and captivating world of the Moulin Rouge.

A world-famous cabaret and entertainment venue located in the historic Montmartre district of Paris, The Moulin Rouge was first opened in 1889. Since then, it has become a cultural icon and a symbol of artistic expression. The Moulin Rouge is renowned for its extravagant cabaret shows featuring can-can dancers, singers, acrobats, and magicians. It also served as the backdrop for Baz Luhrmann's Acadmey Award winning film, Moulin Rouge! 

Buffys 2023 channeled this iconic venue with the theme, Midnight at the Moulin Rouge. The audience was transported to Paris and dazzled by world-class performances, breathtaking decor, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

The 2023 Buffy Awards were created by Stacey Grant, Métis multi-disciplinary artist and beadworker. Each award is a unique beadwork medallion, made using traditional techniques. Utilizing her botanical knowledge, Stacey created floral motifs inspired by the award categories. Each finished medallion is about two inches in diameter, with a beaded edge and hide backing. Arts Council Wood Buffalo was honoured to have Métis Elder Marlene Cardinal present the awards to each recipient. 

“The amount of love and time that goes into beadwork, the amount of spirit, of connection between the artist, the medicine, and the recipient is keystone to what the original meeting place of Nistawayaw was - ‘where the three rivers meet.’ Where knowledge, goods, love, and laughter were shared for generations in one form, and now, in another entirely. The medicine of beadwork in its entirety is a test of patience, meditation, and love. You leave everything negative at the door, you send it up with sage: to hold onto it while you bead is to stitch those thoughts and energy into it for eternity, an omen which the person gifted will feel. It’s a lesson on creating with love and patience, and for another to receive and benefit from as a medicine in the purest form. To me, that’s what art is. Art is medicine. Art is healing. Art is honouring the garden in which we are so fortunate to nurture.”

–Stacey Grant

Buffys 2021 was Arts Council’s second cinematic awards showcase, which was broadcast for free on October 16, 2021, on Facebook and YouTube. The event theme, Midnight in Technicolor, was an homage to movie history and featured a colourful storyline written by Steve Reeve of M’Guphynn Media, five performances by local artists, a celebration of 100 nominees, and presentations of 14 locally handcrafted awards. View the Event Program.

The Buffys 2021 theme is based on the traditional Technicolor movement in film, primarily around the 1950’s. Technicolor films are known for their bright, bold and saturated colours. Technicolor is a series of processes used to first produce colour in motion pictures. The famously recognized three-strip Technicolor changed the film scene. Each of the three negatives were responsible for either red, blue or green. Today, Technicolor is more known for the end result of the colouring than the process itself.

Classic examples of Technicolor movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood are The Wizard of Oz (1939), Gone With the Wind (1939), Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937), and Blue Lagoon (1949).

Arts Administration – Diane Schuldt-Zundel

Arts Champion – Andrew Pottie

Arts Education – Cathy Larson

Craft – Simon Budd

Creative Collaboration – Land Acknowledgement Video by Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games

Dance – Hanna LeVoir

Indigenous Arts – Amy Keller-Rempp

Lifetime Achievement – Joey Delusong (Joey D)

Literary Arts – NorthWord Magazine

Media Arts – Matthew Lorenz

Music (Ken Flaherty Music Award) – Shantelle Davidson

Performing Arts – Theatre; Just Because

Rising Star – Diya Hiltz

Visual Arts – Rob Hickey

This year’s showcase featured five performances by local talent from across Wood Buffalo, including an Indigenous performance filmed in Fort Chipewyan – a first in Buffy history. Performances also included the follow up to an Indian saga from Buffys 2020, local musical and comedy favourites, and dance, dance, dance. Midnight in Technicolor, with illustrations by Cat Hare and set design by Raili Boe, was woven together by local video artists, M’Guphynn Media, Richard Baldonado, Neville Video Productions, Berteig Imaging, Matt Lorenz, and Twisted Gears Studios. Watch the awards showcase on YouTube.

This year’s Buffy Awards were created by the local pottery wizard, Michelle Ploughman, also known as Saltwater Potter. Ploughman created 14 vases that were individualized for each award category, and were inspired by the boreal forest. The awards embody poplar trees and showcase the flora and fauna of the region with intricately painted details and a beautiful glazed finish.

Diane Schuldt-Zundel ☆

Kayla Erlandson *

Norma Jean-Atkinson *

Scott Weber

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

This year, Arts Council Wood Buffalo has chosen someone who is a linchpin for the local music community, and can often be found behind the scenes of community events, festivals, and performances. Originally from Nova Scotia, he came to Fort McMurray in 2013, after serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and brought with him his passion for connecting the community through live events and music.  After working at his full-time job, he can be found making music with his family and local musicians, recording and engineering music, or supporting others so they can realize their artistic vision. Not only is he an active contributor to the local music scene with his band “The Borderpines,” he has also raised the standards of event production to new heights across the region.

The Board of Directors of Arts Council are pleased to present the 2021 Arts Champion Award to Andrew Pottie.

Ana Acacia Oliveira

Cathy Larson ☆

Denise White

Emily Hansen

Janey Scott

Jennifer Dahl *

Kayla Erlandson

Krista Oviatt

Kristana Naowakhun

Matthew Marcel

Nicole Davis *

Shannon Whitbread

Sonia Burke-Smith

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Amanda Dawson

Gwendy Harrington

Jennifer Shortman

Matthew Marcel *

Michelle Ploughman (Saltwater Potter) *

Shelby Marshall

Simon Budd ☆

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

“Faces of Racism” by Berteig Imaging *

“Breathe & Explore” by Exhale Yoga & Barre & Theatre; Just Because

“Fort McMurray Matters” by Mix 103.7

Handcrafted Wood Buffalo

Land Acknowledgement Video by Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games ☆

“Multicultural EXPO 2021” by Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo *

“St. Paddy’s Day Songs Around the Zoomfire” by Waypoints

“Stay Home, Read Gala” by Wood Buffalo Regional Library

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Christel Pyz *

Hanna LeVoir ☆

Kayla Ladouceur *

Rachele Playford

The Tarasencos

YMM Dance Company

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Amy Keller-Rempp ☆

Bertha Cyprien *

Beverley Tourangeau

Dene Plews

Jennifer Shortman

Jerome Cardinal *

Jessica Powder

Kayla Ladouceur

Kimberley Brice

Matthew Marcel

Tammie Tuccaro

Tasheena Campbell

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

This year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient has had a lasting impact on the music community through his passion, drive, and positivity. He got his start by playing the trombone in school jazz bands, but soon discovered his love of the guitar and punk music. After high school, he studied visual arts at Keyano College for a year, before moving to Vancouver to study sound engineering.

He soon came back to Fort McMurray and began playing with local bands like Abandin All Hope and Fresh Cut Lime, becoming a regular fixture around the community playing guitar and singing original and classic songs.  Eventually he moved to Edmonton, where he worked on a number of solo projects and recorded his first EP. Friends say he inspired the “next crop” of local musicians to pick up a guitar and put on shows, but he often attributed his success to his bandmates and collaborators. 

Many hearts were broken when he passed away suddenly in 2015, but his legacy continues to thrive. Songs he’d written with his various bands are often still performed at campfires, open mics, and concerts throughout Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Vancouver. And every year around his birthday, his friends organize a celebration at the Tavern On Main, where people come from all across Canada to pay and play their tributes. 

The Board of Directors of Arts Council Wood Buffalo are pleased to present the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award to Joey Delusong – also widely known as Joey D.

Dene Plews *

Hilary Morgan

Jamal-E-Fatima

J.S. Marlo

Julie Rowe

NorthWord Magazine ☆

Patricia Marie Budd *

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Devki Patel

Greenlight Creative

Jon Qpid

“Lace & Confetti Design Studio” by Clarianne Andrighetti

Matthew Lorenz ☆

M’Guphynn Media *

Neville Video Productions *

Tasheena Campbell

Trevor Butler

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Caius Hubris *

Dan Tulk

Éva *

Mat Cote

Shantelle Davidson ☆

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Jason Beck

Jenny Price *

Shantelle Davidson

Steve Reeve

Theatre; Just Because ☆

Zenon Campbell *

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Abi McCrone Lehoczki

Ciara Driscoll

Carmen Hall

Diya Hiltz ☆

Heidi Reid

Jerome Cardinal *

Nishka Rai

Rosa Pontello *

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Ambreen Ehtisham *

April Warren

Bryce Horbachewski

Caylee Close

Greg Halinda

Jessie Levesque

Jessica Powder

Kayla Lavers

Kim Blatchford (B’s Art)

Kritsana Naowakhun *

Melissa Richard

Rob Hickey ☆

* = Shortlist

☆ = Award recipient

Midnight Coffeehouse was a resounding success! October 19, 2019 marked the annual Buffys; a cool and classy evening that celebrates local artists and showcases the diversity of the arts community in our region. Artists, art groups, supporters and – of course – those nominated for an award, gathered at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, which was transformed into the weird and wonderful artistic era of the Beat Generation. The 2019 Arts Awards were once again a showcase of the arts, celebrating almost 70 nominees through 14 award presentations, and presenting several live performances, taking place in two locations within SECPA. 

Arts Administration – Sheri Donovan

Arts Champion – Rick Kirschner

Arts Education – Kelli Stewart

Craft – Ashley Laurenson

Creative Collaboration – Simma Downe

Dance – Nikita Proulx

Indigenous Arts – Bernadette Dumais

Lifetime Achievement – Valerie Gondek

Literary Arts – Theresa Wells

Media Arts – Steve Reeve

Music (Ken Flaherty Music Award) – Chris Pottie

Rising Star – Natalie Farahani

Theatre – Zachary Barrett

Visual Arts – Ruth Perry

The 2019 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards were created by Sedef Uzer Prakash. The awards are hand-knitted in the amigurumi style, the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. This year’s awards are a whimsical tribute to the accomplishments of our arts community.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to the abundance of talent present in our community. The diverse and uniquely collaborative performances included dance, comedy, flow arts, spoken word, pantomime, and multiple musical genres. Special behind-the-scenes video shorts gave guests a glimpse into the artistic process of getting ready for the awards event. The Buffys continue to be a place for artists to experiment and perform in ways you often can’t see anywhere else.

The black box theatre, renamed “The Club” and decorated to be more intimate, hosted the pre- and post-show performances and festivities, while the gymnasium was transformed into “The Coffeehouse”, a place where great minds came together to connect and share.  Everywhere you looked, the space was alive and buzzing with things to see, hear, and eat. Guests even dressed in the funky style of the beatniks, berets included!

– Erica Moeskau*
– Sedef Uzer Prakash*
– Sheri Donovan☆

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Alex Vorobej
– Jane Jacques*
– Jenna Fewer
– Kelli Stewart☆
– Krista Oviatt
– Liam Legault
– Melinda Richter
– Nicole Armstrong*
– Renee Manners
– Terri Mort

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Ashley Laurenson☆
– Chantelle Brown*
– Nicole Houston*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– 7 Teachings Legacy Mural Project
– I See You: Sawubona*
– Love is Love Comedy Show
– Salvation Army and Shaw Spotlight
– Simma Downe☆
– Tavern Tributes*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Colombians in Fort McMurray*
– Emily Hansen
– Fort McMurray Avrora Dancers
– Jenna Fewer*
– Krista Oviatt
– Nikita Proulx☆
– Shweta Suthar
– Taylor Logan

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Bernadette Dumais☆
– Carmen Wells*
– Elaine Dampier
– Jessica Jones*
– Shawn McClure

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Chris Pottie☆
– Glen Miller
– Noize13
– Will Collins*
– VOLT
– Xach Edward*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Carla White
– Chris Bowers*
– Julie Rowe
– Nathan Berube
– Theresa Wells☆
– Therese Greenwood*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Matt Lorenz
– Steve Reeve☆
– Trevor Butler*
– Zachary Barrett*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

Alexis House
Bryan Reed*
Camryn Hannigan
Daisy Mella*
Isabella O’Sullivan
Jane Gibson
Maryam Tsegaye
Maya Keca
Natalie Farahani☆

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Bailey Yarkie
– Cindy Rivers
– Erica Moeskau
– Luay Eljamal*
– Sheri Reed
– T.J. Carabeo
– Zachary Barrett☆
– Zenon Campbell*

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

– Amanda Ballard
– Charlie Saunders
– Kendra Woods*
– Liam Legault
– Margie Cunningham*
– Ruth Perry☆
– Steve Reeve

* = Shortlist 
☆ = Award recipient

On Saturday October 21, 2017, Arts Council Wood Buffalo hosted the Midnight Speakeasy, inspired by the 1920s prohibition era. The Awards, also known as the Buffys, are designed to showcase the amazingly vibrant talent present in our community, to recognize and thank our local artists, as well as to provide paid performance and exhibit opportunities to artists in our region. There is an abundance of incredible artists that many are not even aware of, and the Buffys present an entertaining platform to highlight the diversity and depth of the Wood Buffalo arts community. The 2017 Excellence in Arts Awards was an exceptional display of the vibrancy of the arts scene in Wood Buffalo, beautifully presented and entertaining.

Arts Administration – Fort McMurray Filmmakers Association

Arts Champion – Alan Roberts

Arts Education – Terri Mort

Creative Collaboration – Wood Buffalo Productions & St Aidan’s Society

Dance – Melinda Richter

Fine Craft – Betty John Blanchard

Indigenous Arts – Treasure Cooper

Lifetime Achievement – Peter Ellis

Literary Arts – Kiran Malik Khan 

Media Arts – Sanjay Patel

Music – Dan Tulk

Rising Star – Camryn Hannigan

Theatre – Scott Weber

Visual Arts – Graham Whatmough

The 2017 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards were created by KG + e.

Also known as the Buffys, the extraordinary evening showcased six live entertainers and eight brilliant performances ranging from rap artists and singers to dance troupes and stand-up comedians, hosted in style by theatre artist Zenon Campbell. During the evening, there were also six visual artworks exhibited and fourteen literary works paired with the presentations of the nominees.

The Theatre at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts was beautifully decorated in black and white, deep greens, and gold. Guests were treated to a delicious buffet of assorted appetizers, and to the great joy of party-goers the extremely popular candy bar from last year’s awards made an appreciated return.

– Eugene Carnegie
– Fort McMurray Filmmakers Association
– Meicholas Art Foundation
– Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo
– Norma Jean Atkinson
– Sedef Uzer Prakash
– Wood Buffalo Photography Club

– Dianne Perry
– Erin Schwab
– Kritsana Naowakhun
– Liam Renner
– Nancy Lawson
– Nicole Armstrong
– Renee Manners
– Terri Mort
– Zachary Barrett

– Brandon Cooper and 100 Faces of United Way
– Crista Watts Baker and MS Society
– Éva LaPrairie and Gratitude Attitude
– Fort McMurray Chess Club and Chess Park sculpture
– GeekSpeak
– The Art Foundry at River Station
– Theatre; Just Because and Waypoints
– Wood Buffalo Productions and St. Aidan’s Society

– Aileen Park
– Emma Carter
– Betty John Blanchard

– Fort McMurray Highland Dance Society
– Kelli Stewart
– Melinda Richter
– Peruvian Inka Association of Wood Buffalo
– Shweta Suthar

– Austan Najmi-Beauchamp
– Betty John Blanchard
– Claire Beaulieu Antoine
– Donald Voyageur
– Treasure Cooper

– Dawn Booth
– Emma Carter
– Emmalyn Soriano
– Kiran Malik Khan
– Sithara Fernando

– Matt Salem
– Sanjay Patel

– A Touch of Class
– Dan Tulk
– Eric Bureau
– Éva LaPrairie
– Hübris
– The Veins

– Austan Najmi-Beauchamp
– Camryn Hannigan
– Carissa Fortin
– Kudakwashe Simbi
– Maddison Baragar
– Mercedes Stapley
– Natalie Farahani
– Reese Stanley

– Bailey Yarkie
– Dylan Thomas-Bouchier
– Erica Moeskau
– Jason Beck
– Scott Weber

– Anastasia Meicholas
– Cat Hare
– David Ball
– Emma Carter
– Graham Whatmough
– Liam Renner
– Margie Cunningham
– Renee Manners
– Russell Thomas