November 6, 2026 | Banff, Alberta — Blackfoot Confederacy and the Town of Banff have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Communication and Cooperation today, November 6, 2026, establishing a framework for continued engagement, stronger working relationships and collaboration on matters of mutual interest.

The agreement brings together Blackfoot Confederacy leadership and the Town of Banff to advance a relationship grounded in trust, respect, reciprocity and honesty while recognizing the longstanding cultural and historical connections of Niitsitapi to the Banff region.

Blackfoot Confederacy leadership participating in the signing includes Siksika Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot, Piikani Nation Chief and Blackfoot Confederacy President Troy Knowlton, Roy Fox representing Kainai-Blood Tribe and Amskapi Piikani Vice Chairman Everett Armstrong. The Town of Banff is represented by Mayor Corrie DiManno and Town Manager Kelly Gibson.

The signing follows a gathering held on November 5, 2025, when Blackfoot Confederacy and the Town of Banff came together in Banff for a sacred pipe ceremony and offering to recognize their relationship and begin the process of establishing a formal agreement. The gathering also marked the official naming of the Thunder Medicine Pipe Bridge, recognizing Blackfoot history, language and cultural connections to the area.

One year later, the signing of the MOU marks the next stage in that relationship by establishing a formal structure for communication and cooperation. The agreement recognizes the importance of Blackfoot culture, history and knowledge as shared by Blackfoot Elders while identifying opportunities to work together on matters of mutual benefit.

Under the MOU, Blackfoot Confederacy and the Town of Banff have committed to maintaining regular, transparent and constructive communication through ongoing meetings and direct engagement. Each party will appoint the appropriate staff to support discussions, identify shared priorities and coordinate work arising from the agreement.

The agreement also recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability, economic advancement and cultural cooperation. It supports continued dialogue on opportunities that benefit Blackfoot Nations and the Town of Banff while acknowledging the municipal Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

For Blackfoot Confederacy, the agreement recognizes the importance of maintaining direct relationships with municipalities located within the traditional territory of Niitsitapi. The Banff region holds longstanding cultural and historical significance for Blackfoot people, and the MOU provides an opportunity to strengthen public understanding of that history while advancing practical cooperation.

The MOU is a voluntary and nonbinding agreement that establishes a framework for ongoing communication and collaboration. It does not replace or constitute consultation under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

The November 6 signing builds on the relationship established through the 2025 gathering and marks a continued commitment by Blackfoot Confederacy and the Town of Banff to work together through mutual respect, open communication and shared responsibility. Both parties will continue identifying opportunities to strengthen their relationship and advance initiatives that provide lasting benefits for Niitsitapi and the broader Banff community.