Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council (BCTC) is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team as the Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network (BEBN) Project Coordinator.

This full-time, three-year contract offers an exciting opportunity to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development across the Blackfoot Confederacy while working directly with entrepreneurs, community leaders, mentors, Elders, and business advisors.

Based in a hybrid work environment with the primary office located in Calgary, Alberta, the successful candidate will travel regularly to Siksika Nation, Kainai-Blood Tribe, and Piikani Nation to deliver programming, build relationships, and support Blackfoot entrepreneurs. The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council.

As the operational lead for the Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network, the Project Coordinator will oversee entrepreneur intake, mentorship coordination, stakeholder engagement, event planning, program monitoring, and reporting. The successful candidate will also manage the BEBN customer relationship management (CRM) system while ensuring all program delivery reflects Blackfoot cultural protocols and community priorities.

This is an opportunity to help strengthen Indigenous business development and contribute to a growing network dedicated to supporting Blackfoot entrepreneurs and advancing economic prosperity throughout the Confederacy.

Position Details

• Position: Blackfoot Entrepreneur Business Network (BEBN) Project Coordinator
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Three-Year Contract
• Location: Hybrid (Calgary office with regular travel to Siksika Nation, Kainai-Blood Tribe, and Piikani Nation)
• Reports To: Chief Executive Officer, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
• Number of Positions: One (1)

Application Deadline
Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST

For complete position details and to request an application package, please contact Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Human Resources at admin@blackfootconfederacy.ca.

For the full job posting and additional information see attached Job Posting below.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council was represented at the Indigenous Trailblazers Summit 2026, held May 5 and 6 in Edmonton, Alberta, through Destination Blackfoot Promotions Coordinator Cassie Ayoungman.

Ayoungman was selected as a panelist for #TheRavenRoundtable alongside Indigenous tourism leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Prairies and beyond. The panel focused on Indigenous tourism, authentic experiences, hidden gems, and the importance of showcasing Indigenous destinations and businesses across the region.

Ayoungman is also the founder of Soul Of Miistaki, a Blackfoot founded and Indigenous led nonprofit dedicated to creating welcoming outdoor experiences that celebrate diverse communities while honouring Indigenous traditions.

The summit brought together Indigenous leaders, professionals, businesses, and allies to amplify Indigenous voices, knowledge, and business leadership while creating space for collaboration, learning, and relationship building across industries.

Through Destination Blackfoot, BCTC continues to promote Blackfoot experiences, stories, businesses, and landscapes across Blackfoot Territory, known to our people as the Backbone of the World.

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For more information about the summit visit: https://www.indigenoustrailblazers.ca

: Indigenous Trailblazers Summit Webpage | L.P Photo

Destination Blackfoot and its operators were featured in Condé Nast Traveler on April 11, 2026, in a story presenting Blackfoot Country as one homeland that continues across the medicine line. The feature follows a journey through Blackfoot territory and positions Blackfoot led tourism as a direct expression of land, identity, and jurisdiction.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council CEO Kimmy Shade reinforced this foundation, stating the Nations “have been gathering since time immemorial,” and describing the work as “not looking at the border as a barrier… this is our land.” The story reflects Destination Blackfoot’s role in reconnecting experiences across all four Nations and sharing Blackfoot perspectives on a global stage.

Operators featured include Lailani Upham of Iron Shield Creative, Pale Horse Tipi Camp (Piikani Nation), Melrene Saloy of Native Diva Creations, Grant Many Heads of Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Derek DesRosier of Sun Tours, and Marjie Crop Eared Wolf at the Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre. Together, they represent Blackfoot people telling Blackfoot stories, on Blackfoot land, through Destination Blackfoot.

the story is avaiable for read here below: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/in-blackfoot-country-indigenous-nations-offer-a-different-view-of-the-us-canada-border

Cassie Ayoungman joins Blackfoot Confederacy as Destination Blackfoot Promotion Coordinator
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is proud to announce the appointment of Cassie Ayoungman as Destination Blackfoot Promotion Coordinator. Cassie is a member of Siksika Nation and has been one of the featured operators within Destination Blackfoot through her organization Soul Of Miistaki, an Indigenous led initiative that shares land based experiences rooted in Blackfoot knowledge.

Cassie is a proud Siksika’ki (Blackfoot woman) raised on Siksika Nation Alberta. Basketball was a big part of her upbringing and remains close to her heart. She later participated in the Indigenous military Bold Eagle program before discovering mountain sports in her mid twenties. Cassie quickly recognized the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces and was inspired to create Soul of Miistaki, a not for profit that brings people together through hiking climbing biking and skiing while incorporating Indigenous cultural practices and teachings.

Climbing has been both a teacher and healer for Cassie offering lessons in resilience and personal growth. She continues to give back to her Nation as a practicing paramedic and through her work as an Arc’teryx Alberta Ambassador, advancing representation and awareness for Indigenous presence in outdoor communities.

In her new role with Destination Blackfoot Cassie will help elevate operators across the Confederacy, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the growing network of tourism experiences rooted in Siksikaitsitapi culture. Her leadership will ensure that the promotion of Blackfoot tourism remains guided by community values and continues to benefit our Nations.

We are excited to welcome Cassie to this new position. Look out for updates on Destination Blackfoot in the coming weeks, including operator spotlights, new visitor resources, and Confederacy wide initiatives that will highlight our people and our lands.

📷: from Cassie Ayoungman | Soul of Miistaki Website

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…