The Blackfoot Confederacy, through the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council (BCTC), is launching a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential transformation of Waterton Springs Campground into a premier Blackfoot eco-cultural destination. This initiative underscores the Confederacy’s ongoing commitment to preserving the land while offering enriched cultural experiences for both community members and visitors. The project is designed to deliver sustainable long-term benefits- social, environmental, economic, and cultural, to all four Blackfoot nations, with a particular focus on Blackfoot traditions and the expanding Indigenous Tourism sector.

Active engagement with Confederacy members is crucial to the success of this initiative. By gathering insights and feedback, BCTC ensures that the project reflects the collective goals, knowledge, and values of the four nations. The feasibility study serves as the foundation for evaluating the potential for ownership and revitalization of the campground.

At this preliminary stage the project remains conceptual, and no final decisions have been made regarding development plans or timelines.

To guide our way forward, four local Community Liaisons from each of our Nations will be embracing any and every kind of contribution and feedback from our community members, hearing ideas and perspectives through coffee chats and the online survey.

Our Community Liaisons are:

• Heather Black – Kainai-Blood Tribe
• Jamie Spring Chief – Siksika Nation
• Lailani Upham – Aamskapi-Pikuni
• Leilani McDougall – Piikani Nation

An online survey has also been developed to ensure broad participation and engagement within the community. Members are strongly encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives by completing the survey or participating in interviews. This will ensure that the recommendations align with the collective vision and priorities of the Siksikaitsitapi Nations.

If you are a community member in the region, you can become involved by sharing your insights via a brief survey which can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCTC-Campground

Contact and Media:

Theoren Royal,
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
Email: Theorenr@blackfootconfederacy.ca

Kimmy Houle,
Director of Environment, Lands, and Economic Development
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
E-mail: Kimmys@blackfootconfederacy.ca

The Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network (BEBN) is focused on advancing economic sovereignty within the Blackfoot business community!

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council would like to proudly acknowledge and extend our sincere thanks to Ashley Day Chief and the Blackfoot Entrepreneur Steering Committee for their dedication and commitment to launching the Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network website and social media platforms!

This milestone represents a powerful step forward for Blackfoot entrepreneurs as we continue to strengthen and uplift our community’s economic future. Exciting times are ahead for Blackfoot business leaders!

We invite you to explore and support our network at [bebn.ca] https://www.bebn.ca

Blackfoot Confederacy attended the Iroquois Caucus General Assembly hosted by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke on May 29-30, 2024.

The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our nations’ relationships and engage in productive dialogues surrounding key issues like the Jay Treaty Border Alliance and cross-border protocols. The visit also included a welcoming ceremony and Kahnawà:ke community tour for Chiefs, Elders, and staff representatives from Blackfoot Confederacy.

The Iroquois Caucus has played an important role in strengthening relations among our sovereign nations since 2022. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Kahnawà:ke community and Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer for facilitating a meaningful visit on Mohawk Territory.

The Siksika Recovery Centre is a $35-million investment that will add 76 long-term treatment beds in the region. In total, these beds will support 300 people every year in their pursuit of recovery. The Siksika Recovery Centre is now entering the construction phase with completion expected in 2026.

“Siksika Nation is grateful for this support from Alberta’s government. Countless lives will be changed because of the partnership we have built around recovery,” said Nioksskaistamik Chief Ouray Crowfoot.

This new facility is a key part of the Alberta Recovery Model, which adds 10,000 treatment spaces and expands the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program over the past five years.

For more information: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm…