Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council has welcomed Naatowohkkaiyo (Susan Solway) to its team as Housing Initiatives Officer, bringing with her generations of leadership, community service, and professional experience grounded in Siksika and Blackfoot ways of knowing.

Susan is the daughter of Adrian and Cheryl Solway, and granddaughter of former Chief Adam and Rosie Solway (Medicine Shield) and long-time Council member Charlie and Amy Smith (Bear Chief). Her appointment reflects a lifelong connection to community leadership and public service.

Throughout her career, Susan has worked at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and institutional systems, supporting change across First Nation governance, Indigenous strategy development, community wellness programming, environmental management, and communications and engagement advisory. Her approach combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of community needs.

She served on Siksika Nation Council from 2019 to 2022, including as a taskforce negotiator for the 1910 Land Claim, and held leadership roles with Natosapi Old Sun Community College and Siksika Health Services. In 2022, Susan’s contributions were formally recognized when she was welcomed into the Kaamiipoisamiiks society and gifted a Blackfoot stand-up headdress.

Susan brings experience in negotiation, policy analysis, and financial oversight, along with a strong background in managing complex projects tied to land restoration and community development. She currently serves her second term as a Board Member with the Siksika Board of Education (K–12), where she continues to advocate for stable learning environments that support youth success.

In her role as Housing Initiatives Officer, Susan reports directly to the CEO and provides professional coordination, strategic support, and specialized technical expertise for Blackfoot Confederacy housing priorities. Her work focuses on convening member Nations, aligning Nation-level housing strategies with Confederacy initiatives, supporting funding applications, managing reporting requirements, and helping develop comprehensive housing models that address diverse needs across Blackfoot Territory. The position centers on strategic facilitation and collaboration and does not involve direct housing service delivery or funding decisions.

A certified Project Management professional with a background in journalism, Susan balances technical skill with a community-centered perspective. Supported by her partner and motivated as a mother of three, she remains committed to ensuring Blackfoot Confederacy members have access to safe, sustainable housing and a strong foundation for future generations.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council extends a warm welcome to Susan and looks forward to the leadership, knowledge, and dedication she brings to advancing housing priorities across our member Nations. We are pleased to have her join our team and contribute to building strong, healthy communities for present and future generations.