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.