News
Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Society to Host Gathering for Treaty and Unity
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.
Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Meet with Mayor Jeremy Farkas to Strengthen Partnership with the City of Calgary
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 relationship between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the City of Calgary. The meeting focused on continued collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025, while providing an opportunity to discuss shared priorities, strengthen partnerships, and build on the progress already underway through ongoing work between City and Tribal Council staff.
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Seeking NIHB Navigator
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is seeking applications for a Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigator to support members of Siksika Nation, Kainai Nation, and Piikani Nation in accessing essential health services and benefits. For full position details, qualifications, and application information, please see the attached job posting.
Community Safety Notice to Blackfoot Confederacy Members
In light of rising political tensions and recent incidents affecting Indigenous peoples in Alberta, Blackfoot Confederacy members are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious or threatening behaviour, and familiarize themselves with available safety resources and reporting contacts.
Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Welcome Premier Wab Kinew’s Comments on Duty to Consult
The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs welcome Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s comments made on May 26, 2026, affirming that the duty to consult First Nations belongs to government and must be respected. Treaty rights cannot be bypassed by provincial political processes, and any discussion about Alberta separation, jurisdiction, or constitutional change must begin with proper consultation with Treaty First Nations.
Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Affirm Court Decision on Alberta Separation Petition
The Court of King’s Bench has affirmed what the Blackfoot Confederacy and Treaty First Nations have maintained throughout this process: Alberta separation directly impacts Treaty rights and cannot proceed without First Nations. The ruling reinforces that Blackfoot Treaty 7 remains a living and constitutionally protected agreement guiding how these lands are shared and governed.
Cassie Ayoungman Represents Destination Blackfoot at Indigenous Trailblazers Summit 2026
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council was represented at the Indigenous Trailblazers Summit 2026 in Edmonton by Cassie Ayoungman, Promotions Coordinator for Destination Blackfoot and founder of Soul of Miistaki. Cassie joined Indigenous leaders to highlight Indigenous tourism, authentic experiences, and the Blackfoot stories, businesses, and landscapes that continue to shape Blackfoot Territory, known as the Backbone of the World.
Guardians Work Across Blackfoot Territory Highlighted at 2026 Gathering
On April 29 and 30, 2026, the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council brought together Guardians, Elders, youth, and partners at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park for the Blackfoot Guardians Gathering 2026 under the theme *Aiskska’tsii’p Ksahkomm – Protecting the Land*. The gathering advanced a unified Blackfoot approach to stewardship grounded in Niitsitapi knowledge and authority, with acknowledgment to all presenters, Elders, youth, attendees, Blackfoot Confederacy staff, and the staff at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park for delivering the event.
Blackfoot Confederacy Engages with Medicine Hat Toward Future Agreement
The Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council held its first formal meeting with the administration of Medicine Hat on April 30, establishing a foundation for intergovernmental collaboration and future engagement. The city’s name originates from the Blackfoot word “Saamis,” meaning “medicine man’s hat,” as both sides now work toward a potential Memorandum of Understanding targeted for the fall.
Elders, Youth, and Leaders Shape Path Forward at third annual Blackfoot Justice Symposium
The Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium, INNAIHTSIIYISINNI – Our Sacred Treaty’s, brought together Elders, youth, leadership, and community members April 21–22, 2026, in Sikóóhkotok, reaffirming Blackfoot law, responsibility, and the continued strength of Niitsitapi justice systems grounded in culture, knowledge, and collective direction.
Destination Blackfoot Operators Featured in Conde Nast Story
Destination Blackfoot has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler in an April 11, 2026 story that presents Blackfoot Country as one homeland across the medicine line. The feature profiles Blackfoot operators and experiences across all four Nations, reinforcing that this is Blackfoot land, shared through Blackfoot voices, and led by Blackfoot people.
Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Respond to Court Ordered Pause on Alberta Separation Petition
On April 10, 2026, the Court of King’s Bench issued a decision to pause the Alberta separation petition process. In response, the Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy released the following statement, reaffirming that Treaty rights and constitutional obligations must be addressed before any further steps are taken.