The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs and representatives of the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council met with newly elected Mayor Jeremy Farkas at Calgary City Hall on June 1, 2026, reaffirming the strong and growing relationship between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the City of Calgary.

The meeting served as an opportunity to build relationships with Mayor Farkas and discuss the ongoing work being advanced through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the City of Calgary in May 2025. Conversations focused on shared priorities, current areas of collaboration, and opportunities to continue strengthening the government-to-government relationship in the years ahead.

The gathering began in a good way with an opening prayer by Elder Leonard Weasel Traveller, setting a positive tone for the discussions that followed. Also in attendance were Former Chief and Elder Charles Weasel Head, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council staff Kimmy Shade, Carol Mason, Kirby Smith, and Theoren Royal, alongside City of Calgary Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Yule, Kelly Cote, Manager of Government Relations, and members of City Administration.

Throughout the meeting, leaders reflected on the progress made since the signing of the MOU and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council and City of Calgary staff who continue to meet regularly to advance the priorities identified through the agreement. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum and building upon the work already underway through the four foundational areas of cooperation: Economic Development and Tourism, Housing and Homelessness, Arts and Culture, and Events and Communications.

The Chiefs noted the importance of continuing the positive relationship that has been built with the City of Calgary over many years, including under the leadership of former mayors Jyoti Gondek and Naheed Nenshi. Mayor Farkas expressed his commitment to continuing that relationship and working collaboratively with the Blackfoot Confederacy on matters of shared interest and mutual benefit.

The meeting reflected a common commitment to respectful dialogue, collaboration, and long-term partnership. As the City of Calgary and the Blackfoot Confederacy continue to strengthen their relationship, both parties remain focused on creating opportunities that support communities, celebrate Blackfoot presence and history within the region, and advance shared goals for future generations.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs and Tribal Council look forward to continued engagement with Mayor Farkas, City Council, and Administration as the partnership continues to grow and evolve.

On the heels of the beginning of National Indigenous History Month, it is unfortunate that we must issue a message focused on safety and vigilance. This month is a time to celebrate our cultures, languages, histories, and the strength of our Nations. However, recent events and rising political tensions across Alberta have prompted concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Indigenous peoples, including members of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs and leadership are encouraging all members, whether residing on-reserve, off-reserve, studying, working, travelling, or visiting within Alberta and Montana, to remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions should they encounter harassment, threats, discrimination, or suspicious activity.

Recent incidents and public reports involving anti-Indigenous rhetoric and politically motivated harassment have reinforced the importance of community awareness and preparedness. While many Albertans continue to demonstrate respect and support for Indigenous Peoples, members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report concerning behaviour when it occurs.

What To Do In An Emergency

If you are in immediate danger, witness a crime in progress, observe a weapon being displayed, hear gunfire, or feel threatened for your personal safety, call 911 immediately. Emergency dispatchers can identify and direct the closest available police resources to your location.

Reporting Non-Emergency Incidents

If you experience or witness harassment, hate-related incidents, property damage, suspicious activity, or receive threatening messages that do not require an immediate emergency response, report the incident to your local police service, Indigenous police service, or RCMP detachment.

For incidents occurring within Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, call 310-RCMP (7267) to be connected with the appropriate detachment.

For members on Kainai Nation, contact:

• Blood Tribe Police Service: (403) 737-8800

For incidents occurring within city limits, contact:

• Calgary Police Service: 403-266-1234
• Edmonton Police Service: 780-423-4567
• Lethbridge Police Service: 403-328-4444
• Medicine Hat Police Service: 403-529-8400

Members travelling throughout Alberta can locate the appropriate RCMP detachment through the RCMP Alberta Detachment Directory.

Documenting Threats and Harassment

Proper documentation is one of the most effective ways to support investigations and ensure incidents are taken seriously.

If you receive threatening messages or encounter hate-related content:

• Take screenshots of social media posts, messages, comments, or emails.
• Record dates, times, usernames, and any identifying details.
• Save text messages and voicemails.
• Keep a written record of incidents, including locations and witnesses when possible.
• Obtain and keep any police file number associated with your report.

Do not engage with individuals making threats or attempting to provoke a response. Preserve evidence and report the matter to police.

Anonymous Reporting

If you wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Online Reporting Options

Certain minor, non-urgent incidents may be reported through the Alberta RCMP Online Crime Reporting system or the Alberta RCMP mobile application. Serious incidents, threats, and emergencies should always be reported directly to police.

Community Awareness and Support

The Blackfoot Confederacy has endured many challenges throughout our history. Our strength continues to come from our people, our families, our communities, and our responsibility to look after one another. During periods of heightened public tension, we encourage members to remain informed, exercise caution, support one another, and report incidents when they occur.

If you are travelling, attending public events, participating in gatherings, or spending time away from your home community, consider sharing your travel plans with family members and staying connected with trusted contacts.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs and leadership will continue to monitor developments and share information as required. The safety and well-being of our members remains a priority.

Quick Reference

Emergency: 911

Blood Tribe Police Service: (403) 737-8800

RCMP Non-Emergency (Alberta): 310-RCMP (7267)

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Calgary Police Service: 403-266-1234

Edmonton Police Service: 780-423-4567

Lethbridge Police Service: 403-328-4444

Medicine Hat Police Service: 403-529-8400

We encourage all members to remain vigilant, report concerning incidents, and continue looking out for one another and our communities.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs are welcoming comments made by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew on May 26, 2026, during the closing press conference of the Western Premiers’ Meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Premier Kinew affirmed that the duty to consult First Nations belongs to government and must be respected when Treaty rights may be affected. His comments followed the recent Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision regarding Alberta’s citizen-led independence referendum petition and the requirement for proper consultation with First Nations.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs continue to affirm that First Nations are not stakeholders in these matters. First Nations are Treaty partners with inherent rights, jurisdiction, and responsibilities to the land, water, resources, and future generations.

Any discussion involving Alberta separation, constitutional change, provincial jurisdiction, or the potential creation of an international border must begin with proper consultation with the Chiefs of Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8.

For more information, see attached release below:

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Society will host a Gathering for Treaty and Unity on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Fort Calgary.

The gathering is open to Blackfoot Confederacy members, Treaty Nations, allies, community members, and the public. It will provide a space for people to come together in respect and shared understanding while standing in support of Treaty relationships and unity on Blackfoot Treaty territory.

Hosted by the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Society, the event will reaffirm the importance of Treaty, peaceful dialogue, and respectful relationships between all peoples. The gathering also reflects the continued leadership of the Blackfoot Confederacy in protecting Treaty responsibilities and strengthening relationships across communities.

All are welcome to attend.

For Media Contact: Theoren Royal, BFC Comms E: TheorenR@Blackfootconfederacy.ca

The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy are reaffirming their position on Treaty rights and constitutional obligations following a significant ruling from the Court of King’s Bench that quashed a citizen led petition seeking to advance a referendum on Alberta separation.

In a decision released May 13, 2026, Justice Shaina Leonard ruled that Alberta breached its duty to consult with First Nations and determined that the province’s Chief Electoral Officer should not have issued the separatist petition. The ruling follows legal action brought forward by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, which argued that the referendum process and recent legislative changes enabled a constitutional process to move forward without consultation with Treaty First Nations.

Justice Leonard found there could be “no doubt” that Alberta separation would impact Treaties 7 and 8, confirming what First Nations leadership has consistently maintained throughout the legal challenge: that Alberta separation is not simply a provincial political issue, but one that directly engages Treaty rights, constitutional law, and the Nation-to-Nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown.

The Court further determined that amendments made by Alberta’s government to the citizen initiative process triggered a duty to consult and that no consultation occurred. The decision also concluded that the separatist petition should never have been reissued after an earlier court ruling found the original question unconstitutional.

The ruling builds on an earlier decision issued in April, when the Court granted a stay preventing certification of the petition while the legal applications were being heard. At that time, the Court acknowledged that allowing the process to continue without review presented the risk of ongoing and irreparable harm to Treaty relationships.

For the Blackfoot Confederacy, the latest ruling reinforces what leadership has repeatedly stated in recent months: that Treaty First Nations cannot be excluded from decisions that directly impact their territories, rights, and future. Blackfoot Treaty 7 predates the creation of Alberta and remains a living and binding agreement that continues to guide how these lands are shared and governed.

The Chiefs also pointed to broader concerns surrounding narratives advanced by separatist movements that attempt to diminish or sideline First Nations jurisdiction in discussions about Alberta’s future. Leadership maintains that any process attempting to redefine the constitutional framework of Canada without Treaty First Nations is fundamentally flawed.

The Blackfoot Confederacy continues to stand alongside Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Treaty Nations across Alberta who have raised concerns regarding the referendum process and the lack of consultation.

In response to the ruling, the Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy issued the following statement:

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council participated in an initial meeting with the City of Medicine Hat administration on April 30, 2026 at City offices. This marked the first formal engagement between the Confederacy and the municipality and established a starting point for relationship building and intergovernmental dialogue.

Blackfoot Confederacy Directors and City leadership met to begin discussions focused on shared priorities, coordination, and long term collaboration. Medicine Hat carries a name rooted in Blackfoot language and history, derived from “Saamis,” loosely translated as “medicine man’s hat.” The meeting set a foundation for continued engagement and identified areas where both parties can move forward in a structured and respectful way.

The discussion formed part of a broader objective to work toward a formal Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides identified the fall as a potential timeline for a signing, contingent on the outcomes of ongoing discussions and alignment on key principles.

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Photo: Left to Right, Front to back

Front: Leah Prestayko (Acting Manager Director of Public Services), Genevieve Fox (Director of Education, Culture & Language), Councillor Yusuf Mohammed, Everette Fox, Marla Wolf Leg (Administrative Officer, Intergovernmental Relations), Kellie Grace (Indigenous Relations Coordinator), Xanthe Isbister (Curator of Galleries & Collections), Kimmy Shade (CEO, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council)

Middle: Councillor Stuart Young, Councillor Cheryl Phaff, Elder – Leonard Weasel Traveller, Aaron Nelson (Acting Director of Community Development), Councillor Chris Hellman, Susan Solway (Housing Initiatives Officer)

Back: Elder Makiinima (Roy Fox), Kirby Smith (Director of Intergovernmental Relations), Chief Travis Plaited Hair (Kainai – Blood Tribe)

“INNAIHTSIIYISINNI – OUR SACRED TREATY’S”

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council acknowledges all who gathered April 21–22, 2026, in Sikóóhkotok for the Third Annual Justice Symposium. Elders, youth, leadership, presenters, and community members came together in a unified space grounded in Blackfoot ways of knowing, responsibility, and law. The presence of all four Nations reaffirmed a collective commitment to carry forward what has always guided Niitsitapi.

The symposium opened in a good way with prayer and direction from Elders, followed by remarks from Chiefs, Chairman, and CEO, establishing a clear focus on Blackfoot jurisdiction and the responsibility to uphold what was given to the people. The Elders Panel carried forward lived knowledge and history, providing grounding through the voices of Leonard Weasel Traveler, Herman Yellow Old Woman, John Murray, and Martin Heavy Head. Across both days, presentations from community justice leaders, legal professionals, and invited speakers reflected the strength and growth of Blackfoot-led justice approaches within and beyond existing systems.

A highlight of the gathering was the evening youth showcase, where young people entered in a grand entry and were honoured for who they are and what they carry. This recognition reflects continuity, ensuring that what is being built today remains rooted in identity, language, and responsibility for future generations.

Day Two continued with strong contributions from across the Confederacy, including community justice presentations, discussions on enforcement and legal processes, consultation, and reintegration pathways. Conversations remained focused on strengthening Blackfoot authority, supporting community-driven solutions, and advancing systems that reflect Niitsitapi values.

Acknowledgement is extended to the Masters of Ceremonies, Eldon Weasel Child and Tony Delaney, whose leadership carried the gathering throughout both days. Recognition is also extended to all Elder Helpers, staff, presenters, and participants for another successful year!

The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy are responding to a decision by the Court of King’s Bench to pause the certification of a citizen led petition advancing Alberta separation, a development that places Treaty rights and constitutional obligations at the centre of the province’s future.

On April 10, 2026, the Court granted a stay preventing Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer from certifying the petition results and blocking any referral to the Minister of Justice until the courts address legal challenges brought forward by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy. The ruling confirms that the issues raised are not procedural, but constitutional, including whether the Crown has met its duty to consult and whether the process infringes upon constitutionally protected Treaty rights. The Court further recognized that allowing the process to proceed without review presents the risk of ongoing and irreparable harm to Treaty relationships.

While signature collection may continue, the decision halts any further advancement of the petition and reinforces that proposals of this magnitude cannot move forward without addressing the legal and Treaty framework that governs these lands. For the Blackfoot Confederacy, this is consistent with what has been maintained throughout: that separation is not a provincial question alone, but one that directly engages Blackfoot Treaty 7 and the Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Crown.

Blackfoot Treaty 7 predates the creation of Alberta and remains a living, binding agreement that defines how this territory is shared. It affirms peace, coexistence, and mutual responsibility, and it continues to guide the relationship between First Nations and the Crown. Any attempt to move forward without the full and meaningful involvement of First Nations disregards that foundation and raises serious legal and jurisdictional concerns.

The Chiefs also point to a broader pattern in which First Nations are expected to respond to decisions already in motion, rather than being included from the outset, despite their role as Treaty partners. The current process follows that pattern and reinforces the need for clarity through the courts.

The Blackfoot Confederacy stands with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and all Treaty Nations who have taken action to ensure their rights are upheld. The position is direct: Treaty must be honoured, the relationship must be respected, and First Nations must be part of any decision that impacts their lands.

In response, the Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy issued the following statement:

MOHKINSTSIS (CALGARY, AB) – April 07, 2026 – The Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council met with Premier Danielle Smith and Ministers at the Westin Calgary Airport as part of its annual leadership meeting with the sitting Premier of Alberta. This meeting has been held each year since the Protocol Agreement was established in 2017 and renewed in 2019, and remains the longest running agreement of its kind between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the Government of Alberta.

The 2026 session, hosted by Kainai Blood Tribe, brought together more than 30 representatives from across the Confederacy, including Chiefs, Council, senior leadership, and technical teams from Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, and Amskapi Piikani. Chairman of the Amskapi Piikani Nation, Rodney Gervais, was in attendance alongside leadership from all Nations. The meeting opened with prayer by Siksapoo (Patrick Black Plume) and was carried by the Baby Flats Drum Group, grounding the gathering in Blackfoot law, ceremony, and collective responsibility.

This was a direct and disciplined engagement. Each Chief spoke on behalf of their Nation, bringing forward priorities and realities from their communities without dilution. Chiefs stated clearly that actions and messaging from the provincial government, whether intentional or not, have contributed to increased division, including rising instances of racism and hate directed toward Indigenous and Blackfoot people. It was emphasized that this environment is unacceptable, that it stands in opposition to Treaty, and that the Confederacy will not accept continued division against its people.

Premier Smith and Ministers received these positions directly. The discussion was substantive, with follow up questions, acknowledgement of concerns, and direction for items to be brought back through the Protocol Agreement structure for response and action.

The Confederacy recognizes that its people carry different views and priorities. Engagement with government does not signal agreement. These meetings exist to confront both alignment and opposition directly. Friction, disagreement, and conflict are necessary to move conditions forward. The Confederacy will not be limited by division where progress is required and will continue to engage in a manner that produces outcomes for Blackfoot people.

The Protocol Agreement remains the mechanism that advances this work across priority areas including child and family services, education, health, justice, environment, transportation, economic development, and emerging areas such as tourism and housing. It is through this structure that the Confederacy continues to assert its role not as a stakeholder, but as a Treaty partner with established authority and responsibility to its people.

The Confederacy is aware of concerns from its membership regarding engagement with the provincial government. This meeting was not undertaken in spite of those concerns. It was undertaken as an obligation of leadership. Diplomacy is required to secure change within systems that directly impact Blackfoot people. Engagement is required to move forward.

More than 30 Blackfoot leaders entered the room unified, direct, and clear in their positions. The Confederacy did not step back from difficult conversations. It advanced its priorities, asserted its authority, and held the Province accountable within the framework of Treaty and the Protocol Agreement.

The Confederacy will continue to engage, to challenge, and to advance its position with consistency and strength. The responsibility remains to ensure that Blackfoot people are not navigating these systems from behind, but shaping them with authority, clarity, and purpose.

A copy of the Protocol Agreement between the Blackfoot Confederacy and Government of Alberta is included below.

Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium
“INNAIHTSIIYI” – Our Sacred Treaties

Dates: April 21–22, 2026
Location: Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Event Overview

The Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium brings together leadership, Elders, justice professionals, community representatives, and youth from across the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy to discuss justice systems through the framework of Blackfoot law, Treaty responsibilities, and community-based approaches to justice.

The 2026 symposium theme, “INNAIHTSIIYI – Our Sacred Treaties,” focuses on the responsibilities, obligations, and relationships established through Treaty agreements and how those commitments continue to influence justice governance, community safety, and legal systems affecting Blackfoot people today.

The two-day gathering will feature presentations from Blackfoot leadership, Elders panels, legal professionals, justice practitioners, and representatives from community justice programs across the Confederacy. Discussions will address Treaty perspectives on justice, Indigenous participation in the legal profession, community-led justice initiatives, policing governance, victim services, and federal corrections processes.

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in networking and dialogue with justice leaders and community representatives from across the region.

An evening banquet and youth showcase will be held on the first day of the symposium, highlighting and recognizing Blackfoot youth through a cultural program and mini powwow.

Registration Information

Registration for the Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium is $150.00 per participant.

All participants must register through the Eventbrite registration link here: https://2026BFCJusticeSymposium.eventbrite.ca

Registration Deadline: April 10, 2026.

Registration includes:

• Participation in all symposium sessions
• Breakfast and lunch on both days
• Evening banquet and youth showcase on Day One
• Opportunities to connect with Blackfoot leadership, legal professionals, and justice practitioners

Cancellation Policy

Participants who are unable to attend must submit cancellation notice prior to April 10, 2026.

Registrations that have been paid but cancelled after the registration deadline will not be eligible for refund and will be considered forfeited. This policy ensures accurate meal counts, seating arrangements, and event planning commitments with the venue.

Symposium Highlights

• Opening remarks from leadership representing the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy
• Elders panel featuring respected knowledge holders sharing perspectives on Treaty responsibilities and justice
• Keynote address by Karen Crowshoe of the Alberta Court of Justice
• Panel discussion examining the Alberta Sovereignty Initiative
• Community justice presentations from each of the four Blackfoot Nations
• Panel featuring Blackfoot lawyers discussing pathways and careers in law
• Presentations from victim services organizations and justice governance bodies
• Youth showcase and cultural program during the evening banquet

Day One – Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The symposium begins with breakfast and registration followed by an opening prayer and formal call to order. Opening remarks will be delivered by leadership representing the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including Chiefs and executive leadership.

A Blackfoot Confederacy Elders panel will follow, featuring Leonard Weasel Traveler, Herman Yellow Old Woman, John Murray, and Wilton Goodstriker. The panel will provide perspectives on Blackfoot law, Treaty relationships, and community responsibilities.

The morning keynote address will be delivered by Justice Karen Crowshoe of the Alberta Court of Justice.

Afternoon sessions include a discussion on the Alberta Sovereignty Initiative facilitated by Eugene Creighton KC with participation from Paul Reid, JD of Walsh LLP. Community justice presentations will also be delivered by representatives from Blood Tribe and Piikani Nation.

A panel discussion titled “A Career in Law” will feature Blackfoot lawyers Eugene Creighton KC, Darnell Tailfeathers JD, Andrea Yellowhorn JD, and Dustin Fox JD, IJD, discussing professional pathways within the legal field.

The first day concludes with closing remarks and door prize draws.

An evening banquet will take place in the main ballroom beginning at 5:30 pm. The banquet includes a grand entry and opening prayer by Wilton Goodstriker, buffet dinner service, and a youth showcase honouring young people through a mini powwow.

Day Two – Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The second day begins with breakfast followed by opening prayer and recap of the previous day’s discussions.

Morning sessions will include a community justice presentation from Siksika Nation and a panel discussion featuring representatives from victim services organizations including the Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society and Blood Tribe Victim Services.

A presentation will also be delivered by Teddy Many Wounds, Chairman of the First Nations Police Governance Council, addressing governance frameworks for First Nations policing.

Additional sessions include a community justice presentation from Amskapi Piikani Nation and a Blackfoot Confederacy consultation panel featuring representatives from Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani.

The afternoon will include a presentation on Section 84 processes within Correctional Service Canada followed by participant evaluation forms, questions, and open discussion.

The symposium concludes with final remarks and a closing door prize draw.

Venue

Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Note:
The symposium agenda is subject to change. Adjustments to session times, speakers, or presentations may occur as required.

Registration: https://2026BFCJusticeSymposium.eventbrite.ca

Issue 002 of OKI COLLECTIVE captures a season of strong leadership, advocacy, and progress across the Blackfoot Confederacy. Highlights include the 24th Annual Blackfoot Confederacy Conference in Sikóóhkotok, national representation at the Alberta Recovery Summit, and the Blackfoot naming of the Thunder Medicine Pipe Bridge in Banff, each reinforcing Nation to Nation relationships and Blackfoot presence across territory. This issue also documents key governance milestones, including a court decision from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench affirming Treaty protections, alongside unified Chiefs’ responses and a five part educational campaign addressing claims by the Métis Nation of Alberta, reaffirming that Blackfoot law, consent, and sovereignty remain non negotiable.

The Confederacy also advanced major priorities in health, knowledge preservation, and economic development. Elders shared teachings on historic Blackfoot trade routes, strengthening intergenerational learning, while the Health team deepened partnerships across provincial, federal, academic, and community systems and welcomed new staff to support wellness priorities. Economic updates highlighted progress on the Waterton Springs Campground revitalization, employment planning, and tourism development through Destination Blackfoot, including completion of a new brand identity, an upcoming website launch in Q1 2026, early 2026 social media rollout, and international exposure through Condé Nast.

Issue 002 also celebrates community connection, from the Blackfoot Confederacy Golf Tournament supporting Siksikaitsitapi youth, to honoring outgoing Siksika leadership and welcoming new team members. Together, these stories reflect a Confederacy moving forward with clarity and purpose, protecting Treaty rights, strengthening relationships, investing in future generations, and advancing Blackfoot led systems rooted in Niitsitapi ways of knowing.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs affirm that any discussion of Alberta’s separation from Canada has no authority over Blackfoot Nations, lands, or Treaties. Blackfoot sovereignty predates the province and is grounded in Natural Law and Treaty 7, a nation to nation agreement with the Crown that cannot be altered or displaced by provincial political action. The Confederacy does not support Alberta separation and rejects any attempt to involve Blackfoot lands or rights in such a process.

Treaty rights are constitutionally protected, and Blackfoot territory is not a provincial asset subject to redefinition through political movements. Decisions about the future of Blackfoot Nations will be made by Blackfoot Nations, guided by their own laws, leadership, and responsibilities to the land and future generations.

The Chiefs call on all governments to recognize and uphold Treaty obligations and Indigenous sovereignty. Any conversation about Alberta’s political status must begin with the full recognition and consent of the Treaty Nations whose territories form the foundation of the province. The Confederacy remains committed to peace, coexistence, and shared prosperity under Treaty, and stands firm in its sovereignty and Treaty relationship.