Mohkinstsis (Calgary, AB) — May 09, 2025

Today, the Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy—Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika—formalized a renewed relationship with the City of Calgary through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Communication and Cooperation.

Chiefs Troy Knowlton (Piikani Nation), Ouray Crowfoot (Siksika Nation), Former Chief Roy Fox (for Chief Travis Plaited Hair Kainai – Blood Tribe) and Pat Armstrong (for Chairman Rodney Gervais – Amskapi Pikuni) executed the agreement on behalf of the Confederacy; Mayor Jyoti Gondek signed for the City. This MOU—the first ever between Calgary and the Blackfoot Nations—establishes a clear framework for transparent dialogue, regular engagement, and collaborative action on matters of mutual priority.

“The relationship between the Blackfoot Nations and the City of Calgary extends back to the origins of Fort Calgary—a site deeply rooted in the history of Mohkinstsis. This Memorandum of Understanding serves as a formal recognition of that enduring connection, reaffirming the historical and cultural ties between the City and the Blackfoot people.

With Mohkinstsis located within our ancestral territory, this agreement symbolizes a commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the preservation of our shared history. Together, we look forward to a collaborative future that reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship.” – Chief Troy Knowlton, Piikani Nation

While not legally binding, the MOU affirms shared values that will guide joint initiatives in environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and cultural advancement. It acknowledges the Confederacy’s deep, unbroken relationship to the land and aligns with the City’s commitment to advancing the municipal Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

City Council unanimously approved the MOU on April 29, 2025, following a recommendation from its Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. With the agreement now in effect, Blackfoot Confederacy leadership and City Administration will move forward together to implement its provisions and demonstrate the strength of Nation-to-City cooperation within Blackfoot Territory.

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Media Contact: Theoren Royal, Corporate Affairs and Communcations Manager

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council

E: Theorenr@Blackfootconfederacy.ca

Photo from: ©The City of Calgary

Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Reject Bill 54 and Reassert Treaty Sovereignty

On May 1, 2025, the Chiefs of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy)—representing the Nations of Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Aamskapi Piikani—formally denounced Alberta’s proposed Bill 54, the Citizen-Led Referendum Act. They stated that the bill is incompatible with the Canadian constitutional framework and undermines the legal obligations established through foundational treaty agreements. The Chiefs emphasized that the 1877 Blackfoot Treaty 7, alongside Treaties 6 (1876) and 8 (1899), was negotiated as a nation-to-nation agreement grounded in mutual recognition, peaceful coexistence, and shared stewardship of territory. These treaties were not instruments of land surrender and remain binding legal frameworks within Canada’s constitutional structure.

The Chiefs reaffirmed that Blackfoot sovereignty predates Alberta’s entry into Confederation and is anchored in Nitsitapii natural law, further reinforced by the 1855 Lame Bull Treaty. This sovereignty extends across the imposed Canada-U.S. border, encompassing traditional territories in both Alberta and Montana. As such, the Chiefs argued that provincial referendums—especially those addressing constitutional questions such as separation—lack the jurisdiction to alter, override, or reinterpret treaty rights, which are protected under both domestic and international law.

Today, the Siksikaitsitapi Confederacy governs over 25,000 members and exercises stewardship over approximately 2,500 square kilometers of land in southern Alberta. This governance is enacted through Indigenous legal orders transmitted through generations and remains active in areas including land management, cultural revitalization, and intergovernmental relations. The Confederacy’s responsibilities are grounded in ancestral law and actively uphold Blackfoot nationhood.

The Chiefs called on Premier Danielle Smith to withdraw Bill 54 and redirect provincial focus toward treaty education, reconciliation, and the fulfillment of Alberta’s constitutional and legal obligations to First Nations. They concluded by affirming that the Blackfoot Treaty remains a living, sacred covenant that must continue to guide relationships between governments – “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.”

The full statement can be read here:

The Blackfoot Confederacy successfully hosted the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC) Spring Sitting on April 8 and 9, 2025, at the Westin Airport Hotel in Calgary, Alberta. This strategic gathering convened leaders from Treaty 6, 7, and 8 Nations to enhance collaboration and address critical issues surrounding Inherent and Treaty Rights, land management, and the impacts of government decisions. Building on the Unity Declaration from 2021, the assembly focused on key reforms aimed at improving equitable representation and communication among the Nations, ensuring their voices are integral to decision-making processes.

The agenda included comprehensive updates on previous resolutions, discussions on the AOTC reform paper, and presentations from notable leaders, including Chief Ouray Crowfoot and representatives from the Jay Border Treaty Alliance and G7 World Leadership Summit. These deliberations reaffirmed the assembly’s commitment to advancing the rights and interests of Indigenous communities, positioning them for greater influence in future engagements with governmental bodies. The outcomes from this assembly are set to significantly enhance the empowerment and sovereignty of the Treaty Nations as they navigate critical challenges ahead.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council will host the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC) Spring Sitting for 2025 on April 08-09,2025 at the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta)

Online Registration is now closed for the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC) Spring Sitting for 2025 on April 08-09,2025 at the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta) – please visit the attached event page below for more details. For registration inquiries please email: Admin@Blackfootconfederacy.ca

March 06-07,2025 | The Westin Calgary Airport “Poomi’kapii – Maintaining Order
and Balance in Our Community”

Join us for the 2nd Annual Blackfoot Confederacy Justice Symposium, exploring Poomi’kapii: Maintaining Order and Balance in Our Community. Engage with Blackfoot Traditional Leaders, knowledge keepers, and distinguished speakers as they share valuable insights on justice, Indigenous law, and community harmony.

*Registration is now full

Oki Siksikaitsitapi, 

We invite members of the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations (Siksika, Kainai-Blood Tribe, Piikani, and Amskapi Pikuni Blackfeet, both on and off reserve) to share their experiences crossing the Canada-USA border through a brief survey. 

• The survey, which takes less than 2 minutes to complete, includes 15 questions addressing issues like harassment, fear of crossing, and other border-related concerns. All responses are confidential and will help the Confederacy advocate for improved border-crossing experiences for its members.  
• Survey Incentive: Participants can enter a draw for 3 grand prizes including one (1) $500CAD Visa Giftcard, and two (2) $250CAD Visa gift cards by providing their first name and contact information (email or phone) at the end of the Survey. 
• If completing the survey on behalf of an elder or someone needing assistance, please indicate this. The survey will remain open until the number of applicants from each Blackfoot Confederacy Nations are met. 
• We are anticipating to have our goal met by the end of February 2025 or sooner. 

Please complete the survey via the link below or scanning the QR Code provided in this post.

For assistance with the survey or to complete it by phone, please contact: 

Theoren Royal, BCTC Communications Manager

• Email: Theorenr@blackfootconfederacy.ca 
• Phone: 587.287.1100 

Thank you for your input

To members of the Blackfoot Confederacy,

It has been my greatest honour to lead an organization built on the wisdom, unity, and resilience of the Blackfoot People. Today I am announcing my departure as the Founding Chief Executive Officer of the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council and the Siksikaitsitapi Oh’Kininaiiks (Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs) Society.

Over the past seven years it has been a privilege to build the Blackfoot Confederacy, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me to guide this important work. From our first steps, we built an organization rooted in our Siksikaitsitapi Culture and way of life, with staff representing each of the Blackfoot Nations as leaders, experts, and changemakers. I am proud of our team and the work we’ve done to honour our traditions and fulfill our vision as a united people, advocating for the protection of our Treaty and inherent rights.

Together we have strengthened our foundation with significant milestones: the signing of key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that have strengthened our presence in the political, economic, educational, cultural, and social spheres across Canada and the United States. Throughout my time, the Blackfoot Confederacy has proudly served as an ambassador for collaboration among the Blackfoot Nations, bridging gaps and revitalizing our traditional ways. From establishing the Siksikaitsitapi Oh’Kininaiiks Society to actively engaging with governmental leaders, the Blackfoot Confederacy has been a unifying force determined to support and improve the well-being of our Blackfoot communities.

As I step forward onto a new path, I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved as a unified Blackfoot Confederacy. I am confident that the Blackfoot Confederacy will continue to grow, strengthening our sovereignty and enriching the lives of our people throughout Blackfoot Territory.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Blackfoot Confederacy for your support. It has been my honour to lead the Blackfoot Confederacy to this point and I leave knowing that we have made a lasting impact. I hope you take as much pride in our shared achievements as I do.  We serve the Creator, who places us where we are meant to be, and I am thankful for this journey to serve the Blackfoot People. 

ISSKOOKITSMAH

Jack Royal

We extend our congratulations to Mirabel Good Stiker, crowned Sr. Miss Siksikaitsitapi, Breeli White Quills, who was honored as Jr. Miss Siksikaitsitapi, and Lira Bull Bear, our new Tiny Tot Miss Siksikaitsitapi on August 21, 2024, in Sikoohkotoki (Lethbridge, AB)

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…