MOHKINSTSIS (Calgary, AB) | July 11, 2026 — The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs’ Society met with Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 11 in Mohkinstsis to discuss issues of national importance, including Alberta separation, major infrastructure development, Treaty implementation, and economic opportunities for First Nations.

Chief Troy Knowlton, Chief of Piikani Nation and President of the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs’ Society, reaffirmed that Treaty First Nations must be recognized as governments and Treaty partners in decisions affecting their lands, waters, resources, and rights. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), proposed national energy and infrastructure corridors, and the need for meaningful consultation and the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations.

Blackfoot leadership emphasized that First Nations support responsible economic development but expect to participate in decision-making and receive a fair share of the economic benefits generated from projects within Treaty territories. Leadership also called for discussions with Canada on resource revenue sharing and compensatory negotiations related to the 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, noting that Treaty First Nations have yet to benefit equitably from decades of resource development on their traditional lands.

The meeting also addressed Alberta’s separation discussions and the importance of protecting Treaty rights and the constitutional relationship between First Nations and the Crown. Blackfoot leadership called for direct representation at the upcoming First Ministers’ Meeting, emphasizing that Treaty Nations must speak for themselves in decisions that shape Canada’s future.

Siksika Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot also met with Prime Minister Carney to discuss the proposed national energy corridor and reaffirmed that Siksika Nation expects full government-to-government engagement on any project affecting its lands, waters, or Treaty rights. Discussions also included opportunities for First Nations ownership, equity participation, and long-term economic partnership in major infrastructure projects.

“Siksika Nation is open to partnership, responsible development, and economic opportunity,” said Chief Samuel Crowfoot. “Our participation must be founded on respect for Treaty, meaningful consultation, and recognition of our role as a government and Treaty partner.”

Chief Travis Plaited Hair of Kainai-Blood Tribe emphasized the need to accelerate the resolution of outstanding land claims, noting that lengthy delays continue to create significant costs for First Nations and hinder economic certainty, community development, and the fulfillment of Canada’s Treaty obligations.

Leadership from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations also participated in the meeting, reflecting a united commitment to protecting Treaty rights and advancing First Nations’ interests. Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Chief Executive Officer Kimmy Shade and Travis Plaited Hair Chief of Kainai-Blood Tribe were also in attendance.

The meeting reinforced the importance of continued government-to-government dialogue and the need for Treaty First Nations to be full partners in decisions affecting economic development, major infrastructure, and the implementation of Treaty rights across Canada.

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Photos: File photo courtesy of Siksika Nation Administration (Siksikanation.com); Kimmy Shade

Pictured (left to right): Chief Samuel Crowfoot, Siksika Nation; The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; Chief Troy Knowlton, Piikani Nation; Kimmy Shade, Chief Executive Officer, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council; Travis Plaited Hair Chief, Kainai-Blood Tribe.

With files from Siksikanation.com

Media Contact:

Theoren Royal, Corporate Affairs and Communications
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
theorenr@blackfootconfederacy.ca