Our Leadership Team

Kimmy Shade

Chief Executive Officer – Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimmy Shade (Akai’kamotaaki – Survives Many Perils) as Chief Executive Officer effective July 28, 2025. This appointment reflects the Council’s continued commitment to strong executive leadership, Nation-led governance, and strategic advancement for Blackfoot Confederacy.

Ms. Shade is a member of the Kainai-Blood Tribe and brings more than 25 years of experience in Indigenous governance, environmental leadership, economic development, and intergovernmental affairs. Since joining the Confederacy in 2018 as Director of Environment and Economic Development, she has led key initiatives that continue to build institutional capacity and position the Blackfoot Confederacy as a leader in Nation-based innovation and implementation.

Her leadership has contributed to the establishment of the Blackfoot Guardianship Rocky Mountain East Slopes Project, which received a leadership award in 2023 for its integration of Blackfoot knowledge and Western science for land protection. She also led the development of Destination Blackfoot, which was recognized by Indigenous Tourism Alberta in 2024 for excellence in Indigenous-led tourism, and founded the Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network to support economic growth for Siksikaitsitapi entrepreneurs.

Ms. Shade has also served in several governance and advisory roles. She was a member of the Blood Tribe Police Commission from 2019 to 2023, supporting community safety and oversight. From 2013 to 2015, she served on the Alberta First Nations Women’s Council on Economic Security, advising government on policies related to land, justice, environment, and economic inclusion. She currently sits on the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirited plus People, supporting legislative and policy reform to improve safety outcomes in Alberta.

In June 2025, she represented the Blackfoot Confederacy at the Jay Treaty Border Alliance meetings in Washington, DC, engaging with U.S. federal departments and members of Congress to advance cross-border Indigenous rights.

She holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge and has held senior positions within the Government of Alberta and the Blood Tribe Housing Authority. She is recognized for her ability to unite diverse stakeholders through a collaborative approach and a commitment to advancing Blackfoot interests.

“I am honoured and excited to serve our Blackfoot People,” said Kimmy Shade. “We are at a pivotal moment for the Blackfoot Confederacy. Our Nations are building strength in every sector. I look forward to working alongside our leadership, staff, and Blackfoot Communities to advance our shared vision and ensure we continue moving forward together with purpose.”

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council also formally acknowledges Mrs. Carol Mason for her leadership and service as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mrs. Mason will return to her role as Director of Operations for the Blackfoot Chiefs Society, where she will continue to support executive coordination, advocacy, and high-level operational oversight in alignment with Blackfoot priorities.

With this leadership transition led by experienced Blackfoot professionals, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is well positioned to deliver on key mandates and guide the next phase of development in alignment with Blackfoot priorities.