Photo by Susan Solway (L-R): Siksika Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot, Susan Solway-Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Housing initiatives Officer

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council has been selected as a funding recipient under the City of Calgary’s Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya Indigenous Housing Program, a municipal initiative supporting Indigenous-led housing development in the city.

Announced March 16, 2026, the program awarded $33 million to 16 Indigenous Nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations to support 24 projects that are expected to deliver up to 379 new non-market homes for Indigenous residents living in Calgary. The program received more than $68 million in funding requests before the first intake closed on October 31, 2025.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council was approved under both funding streams offered through the program: (1) Engagement and Planning Funding to support engagement and planning activities related to non-market housing for Indigenous people living in Calgary, and (2) Building and Construction Funding that contributions of up to 40 percent of eligible capital costs for Indigenous-led non-market housing developments in Calgary and supports the acquisition of land for future affordable housing developments.

The program name Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya, meaning “Indigenous First Nation Housing” in the Blackfoot language, was gifted in ceremony by Jackie Bromley of Kainai-Blood Tribe in partnership with the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee.

“This initiative reflects the Blackfoot Confederacy’s ongoing commitment to improving housing opportunities and strengthening the wellbeing of our members, families and future generations,” said Kimmy Shade, CEO of Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council. The award represents an important step in addressing the growing need for safe, accessible, and affordable housing in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) for Blackfoot people living in the city.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council acknowledges the leadership of The City of Calgary, program staff, the Housing Solutions Elders Advisory Committee, City Council, and the Mayor for advancing the Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya program and supporting Indigenous-led housing initiatives in the city.

Additional information about the program is available at:https://calgary.ca/IndigenousHousing