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

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