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…