Advertise with Googlier.com Blackfoot Confederacy https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/ Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy is a Tribal Council for the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations of Kainai-Blood Tribe, Siksika, Peigan-Piikani and Aamskapi Pikuni. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:21:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 Blackfoot Confederacy Non-Market Housing Initiative: Request for Proposals https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-non-market-housing-initiative-request-for-proposals/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:18:59 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1288 Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council has re-issued a Request for Proposals for the Blackfoot Confederacy Non-Market Housing Initiative, a major housing project aimed at addressing the housing needs of low-income Niitsitapi Blackfoot families living in Calgary.

Supported through the City of Calgary’s Maa’too’maa’taapii Aoko’iyii’piaya grant, the initiative will advance a culturally grounded, self-sustaining non-market housing community that incorporates residential units, ceremony and communal spaces. The selected proponent will support community engagement, land identification and acquisition, technical due diligence, municipal approvals, financial planning and future construction readiness.

BCTC has secured $3.5 million in City of Calgary land acquisition funding. The immediate RFP focuses on Phase 1 planning, engagement, land sourcing and pre-development services, with a maximum budget of $135,000.

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM MDT

Qualified firms and organizations with experience in Calgary development, affordable housing, land acquisition, community engagement and capital funding are encouraged to review the full RFP and submit a proposal.

For more information please see full RFP below, questions or proposal submissions can be made via email directly to:

Susan Solway, Housing Initiatives Officer
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
7535 Flint Road S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2G5
SusanS@blackfootconfederacy.ca

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Canada Must Uphold Treaty Implementation and Economic Partnership, Including Unfinished Business of the NRTA https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/canada-must-uphold-treaty-implementation-and-economic-partnership-including-unfinished-business-of-the-nrta/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:12:09 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1285 Today, October 26, 2026, Blackfoot Confederacy joined the Chiefs of Treaties No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 at the First Nations-First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa to call on Canada to uphold Treaty implementation, advance economic partnership with Treaty First Nations and address the unfinished business of the 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreement.

Together we are calling for a permanent standing Treaty table between Canada, Alberta, Treaties No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 and Blackfoot Confederacy. The table must have a clear mandate, committed resources and timelines, and it must advance Treaty implementation, resource revenue sharing, protection of our lands and waters, and meaningful participation in major projects.

We are also calling for direct Treaty-based discussions on the unfinished business of the 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreement. Administrative control over natural resources was transferred without our consent, leaving generations of our people excluded from the wealth of our territories. Resource revenue sharing must be addressed as part of the Treaty relationship.

Treaty First Nations are rights holders and Treaty partners, not stakeholders. We support responsible economic development that includes proper environmental oversight, meaningful benefits and direct agreement with Nations. Development cannot come at the expense of our Treaty rights, lands, waters or future generations. We are also calling for the immediate withdrawal of Bill C-39 so it can be amended to respect and protect inherent and Treaty rights.

The release also addresses the recent Alberta separation referendum and the role Treaty First Nations played in defending Treaty rights and supporting the unity of Canada. It calls on Alberta to uphold its duty to consult and work directly with Treaty Nations rather than continuing to challenge those obligations in court.

Treaties are not obstacles to Canada’s prosperity, they are partnerships that can build a stronger, united and prosperous Canada. Treaty is the foundation that will keep Canada intact.

For more information, see the full release below

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Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Attend First Nations First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-chiefs-attend-first-nations-first-ministers-meeting-in-ottawa/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:54:47 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1280 OTTAWA, ON (October 26, 2026) – Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs are in Ottawa today as First Nations leaders meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial and territorial premiers for the First Nations First Ministers’ Meeting. It is the first gathering of its kind since 2005.

Kainai-Blood Tribe Chief Travis Plaited Hair, Siksika Nation Head Chief Samuel Crowfoot and Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton are attending the gathering to advance priorities that affect Blackfoot people and Blackfoot Territory.

The Chiefs are focused on direct government engagement with Blackfoot Nations on decisions involving lands, resources, jurisdiction and major projects. They are also advancing stronger participation in economic development and ensuring Blackfoot Nations are involved early when projects affect Blackfoot Territory.

Recent discussions around Alberta separation have also reinforced the importance of protecting the political and legal relationship between Blackfoot Nations and the Crown.

Ahead of today’s discussions, Chiefs gathered in Ottawa on October 25 for a Day of Ceremony. Teepees were raised on the lawn behind 111 Sussex Drive. The site is Ottawa’s former city hall and is now owned by the federal government.

Piikani Nation Elder Apamahka, Leonard Weasel Traveller, emceed part of Sunday’s gathering. A former Chief of Piikani Nation, Weasel Traveller has also served in ceremonial roles at Assembly of First Nations gatherings and has provided opening and closing prayers at national AFN meetings. He offered prayer for Chiefs and leaders and continues to support First Nations leadership through ceremony and cultural protocol at the national level.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak said the ceremonies were intended to bring leaders into the right mindset and help the discussions proceed in a good way.

Today’s discussions bring First Nations leaders together directly with the Prime Minister and provincial and territorial Premiers. The agenda includes rights and Treaties, jurisdiction, economic partnerships, major projects and shared national priorities.

Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs will continue to bring Blackfoot priorities directly to the national table. More information will be shared as discussions continue in Ottawa.

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Blackfoot Confederacy Recognizes Tom Littlechild for More Than 40 Years of Service https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-recognizes-tom-littlechild-for-more-than-40-years-of-service/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:52:07 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1276 Blackfoot Confederacy recognizes Tom Littlechild for more than four decades of service in fire, rescue and emergency response.

The recognition takes place alongside the Blackfoot Confederacy Multilateral Emergency Management Agreement All Leadership Forum, hosted by the Blackfoot Confederacy MEMA Sub Table on October 22 in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge). The forum brings leadership, emergency management professionals and partners together to discuss emergency preparedness, operational readiness, critical risks and the future of coordinated emergency management across the Blackfoot Nations.

Tom’s career represents the type of experience and leadership at the centre of that work.

For more than 40 years, he has dedicated his career to protecting communities, strengthening First Nations emergency services and mentoring the next generation of firefighters. His leadership has included serving as Fire Chief in Maskwacis and as Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services with Siksika Health Services, where he has served for the past 25 years.

Tom has also served as a First Nation Liaison Officer with Alberta’s Office of the Fire Commissioner and held leadership roles with the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada and the Alberta chapter of the Fire Investigation Association.

He is one of only a small number of First Nation Safety Codes Officers in the fire discipline to hold the highest level of accreditation available. In 2014, Tom received the Governor General’s Medal for Fire Services Exemplary Service.

His contribution can also be seen through the people he has trained and mentored. Former students and firefighters from Siksika have gone on to become firefighters, officers, inspectors, investigators and fire chiefs across Alberta.

As Blackfoot leadership comes together to discuss stronger emergency management systems, community readiness and greater First Nations capacity, Blackfoot Confederacy recognizes Tom Littlechild for the decades of work he has already put into advancing those same priorities.

We acknowledge Tom for more than 40 years of service and for the knowledge, leadership and experience he continues to bring to our communities.

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BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY CHIEFS ACKNOWLEDGE REFERENDUM OUTCOME AND STRONG FIRST NATIONS TURNOUT https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-chiefs-acknowledge-referendum-outcome-and-strong-first-nations-turnout/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:42:40 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1272 Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs acknowledge the outcome of Alberta’s provincial referendum and thank Albertans, First Nations people, Treaty leadership and supporters who stood for Treaty and chose a future within Canada. Blackfoot Confederacy has maintained from the beginning that Alberta cannot make decisions about separation, constitutional change or the future of these lands while ignoring Treaty Nations. Blackfoot Treaty 7 predates Alberta and remains a binding Nation to Crown agreement. That position was defended publicly, politically and before the courts, where Alberta’s duty to consult First Nations was affirmed.

First Nations people across Alberta answered with their voices and their votes. Blackfoot Treaty 7 Chiefs stood together along with Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 throughout this process. Additional ballots were required in several First Nations communities after turnout exceeded expectations. At Siksika, the Deerfoot Sportsplex ran out of ballots and voting was extended, along with the Lavern community in Kainai-Blood Tribe. We thank every First Nations person who participated and every leader, advocate, ally and Albertan who stood beside Treaty Nations.

Most importantly, we thank our Blackfoot Nations that mobilized their communities and kept Treaty at the centre of this discussion. In the weeks leading up to the vote, Nations held information sessions, distributed voter information packages, shared regular updates and helped community members understand where, when and how to vote. We recognize the communications departments, administrations, transportation teams and staff across all three Nations who supported that work and helped get people to the polls. We also thank the on reserve polling locations and election staff who worked throughout the day to support voters during exceptionally high turnout. Our people stood in long lines with patience and determination, and their participation showed the strength of the Blackfoot vote and the importance of making our voices heard.

That momentum must continue into Alberta’s next provincial election in 2027 and beyond. Blackfoot Confederacy expects Alberta to return to meaningful government to government engagement and resume the work paused during the referendum period. Our position remains clear. Treaty cannot be bypassed or treated as secondary to provincial political interests. First Nations made their voices heard, and Blackfoot Confederacy will continue to stand up for Treaty as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.

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Blackfoot Confederacy Calls for Immediate Corrections from Alberta Indigenous Relations and Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-calls-for-immediate-corrections-from-alberta-indigenous-relations-and-treaty-7-first-nations-chiefs-association/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:44:39 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1268 Mohkinstsis (Calgary), AB — October 15, 2026 — Blackfoot Confederacy is calling on Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney and the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association to immediately correct public materials that misrepresent the political representation of the Siksika Nation, Kainai Blood Tribe and Piikani Nation. The Blackfoot Confederacy Nations formally withdrew from the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association effective March 4, 2024, and that withdrawal was acknowledged in writing by the organization on March 15, 2024.

The Government of Alberta was also formally notified of this change in 2024 through official correspondence sent by email and signed by the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs. Alberta was therefore made aware at that time that the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association no longer represented the Siksika Nation, Kainai Blood Tribe or Piikani Nation. That change has also been reflected in subsequent government to government work, including existing agreements, working tables and direct engagement structures involving Blackfoot Confederacy and the Government of Alberta.

Despite that history, the September 2026 ReconciliAction: Minister’s Newsletter issued by Alberta Indigenous Relations directs readers to the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association as a resource for information recognizing the signing of Treaty No. 7. The newsletter correctly identifies the Blackfoot Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nations and the Crown as Treaty partners, but then directs readers to the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association “About Us” page. The Minister’s newsletter is publicly available at: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/reconciliaction-ministers-newsletter

The Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association “About Us” page states that the organization serves as the political entity for Bearspaw, Chiniki, Wesley, Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation and collectively advocates for their rights and needs. The page is available at: https://www.treaty7.org/about

That statement is false and misleading as it relates to the Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation. The Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association does not represent or speak on behalf of the three Blackfoot Treaty 7 Nations. The Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society, incorporated in 2022, represents the three Blackfoot Treaty 7 Nations together with Amskapi Piikani as a collective political voice and entity for Blackfoot Confederacy.

This is particularly concerning because the information is being circulated through an official communication from Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and through a government publication with broad public reach. It may already have reached thousands of recipients who rely on the Minister and Government of Alberta for accurate information about Indigenous Nations, Treaty relationships and political representation. Directing the public to inaccurate information through an official government communication gives added credibility to a representation that Blackfoot Confederacy has already formally disputed and is damaging to the reputation and organizational standing of Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council.

The concern is further compounded by the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association website, which continues to identify the Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation among the Nations it collectively advocates for and continues to maintain references to Blackfoot Confederacy and the individual Blackfoot Nations. Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council previously directed the organization to correct materials that implied representation or affiliation following the Blackfoot Nations’ formal withdrawal. Similar representations have now appeared again.

Blackfoot Confederacy is calling for the immediate removal of the Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation from all descriptions of the Nations politically represented by the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association. Blackfoot Confederacy is also seeking corrections to any webpages, references or public materials that imply the organization speaks for or represents Blackfoot Confederacy or the three Blackfoot Treaty 7 Nations.

Blackfoot Confederacy is further calling on Minister Sawhney and Alberta Indigenous Relations to correct the September newsletter and ensure future Government of Alberta communications accurately distinguish between the Treaty 7 Nations and organizations that represent only some Treaty 7 Nations. This is especially concerning given recent efforts by Blackfoot Confederacy leadership to engage directly with Minister Sawhney and her office, while an organization that does not represent the Blackfoot Nations is being presented through an official ministerial communication as a source of information on Treaty No. 7.

Blackfoot Treaty 7 is a Nation to Nation agreement with the Crown, and the authority of the Siksika Nation, Kainai Blood Tribe and Piikani Nation cannot be assumed, transferred or represented by another organization without their authorization. The Government of Alberta has already been formally notified of this political structure and has engaged with Blackfoot Confederacy through established agreements and working tables that recognize that relationship.

Accurate representation is not optional when communicating on Treaty relationships, political authority and the rights of the Blackfoot Nations. Blackfoot Confederacy expects the Government of Alberta and the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association to correct the public record and ensure that future communications accurately reflect who represents the Blackfoot Nations and the government to government structures already in place.

Full Statement is available below:

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BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY CHIEFS SEEK EXPLANATION FOR ALBERTA’S PAUSE OF PROTOCOL AGREEMENT WORK UNTIL AFTER OCTOBER 19 REFERENDUM https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-chiefs-seek-explanation-for-albertas-pause-of-protocol-agreement-work-until-after-october-19-referendum/ Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:37:16 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1256 The Chiefs of Blackfoot Confederacy are seeking a clear written explanation from the Government of Alberta regarding the pause in meetings, communication and work under the Government of Alberta–Blackfoot Confederacy Protocol Agreement until after the October 19, 2026 provincial referendum.

The Protocol Agreement was established in 2017 as a government-to-government framework between Blackfoot Confederacy and the Government of Alberta to advance matters of mutual benefit. Since its establishment, the agreement has developed into an active structure involving multiple ministerial and technical tables addressing economic development and employment, culture, language and education, social matters, environment and lands, political and legal matters, UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation, housing and policing.

The agreement has supported workplans, Terms of Reference and working groups, with direct participation from Blackfoot Confederacy leadership, technicians and provincial ministries. In 2026, the Protocol Agreement had eleven active tables, with additional tables being considered. The 2026 annual report outlining the work and progress of these tables was provided in April.

During the summer of 2026, scheduled meetings between Blackfoot Confederacy and Alberta ministries were cancelled and communication was discontinued. Following efforts to obtain clarification, Blackfoot Confederacy was advised that direction had been provided through the Ministry of Indigenous Relations for provincial ministries to pause further communication and development under the Protocol Agreement until after the October 19 referendum.

The pause is holding up work already underway between the two governments. Workplans are in place, technicians are engaged and initiatives have been progressing through the established tables. These matters continue to require government-to-government attention regardless of the referendum.

The Chiefs are also questioning the timing of Alberta’s pause given the province’s current fiscal position. Alberta’s first-quarter fiscal update projects a $2-billion surplus for 2026–27. The continued pause raises questions about why established commitments and initiatives under the Protocol Agreement cannot proceed.

Blackfoot Confederacy was not consulted on the decision to pause the work and has not received a clear explanation for it. The Chiefs are seeking a written response from Premier Danielle Smith and Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney explaining the reason for the pause, who authorized the direction to provincial ministries, what work is affected and when engagement under the Protocol Agreement will resume.

The full statement from the Chiefs of Blackfoot Confederacy is provided below.

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Blackfoot Niitsitapi Voter Information Campaign Week 2 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-niitsitapi-voter-information-campaign-week-2/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:01:13 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1253 WEEK 2: ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?

Referendum Day: October 19, 2026

As part of Week 2 of Blackfoot Confederacy’s Alberta Referendum 2026 voter information campaign, we are focusing on the practical side of voting. With October 19 approaching, this week is about making sure Blackfoot Niitsitapi know who can vote, how to check their registration, what identification may be required, where to vote, when to vote and what options are available.

This campaign is providing practical voter information for Blackfoot Niitsitapi throughout the referendum period. For the most current and complete information, Elections Alberta remains the official source.

WHO CAN VOTE?

To vote in the Alberta referendum, you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older, and ordinarily resident in Alberta. Students studying outside Alberta may still be eligible if Alberta remains their ordinary residence and they intend to return.

For Blackfoot members living on Nation (on reserve), Elections Alberta provides specific information regarding eligibility, identification and voting requirements.

Who Can Vote:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/who-can-vote/

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION

Before voting, it is important to make sure your voter information is current. If you have moved, changed your information or need to register, Elections Alberta provides an online registration service where you can register or update your information.

Register or Update Your Information:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/register-to-vote/

KNOW YOUR IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

When you vote, you will need to prove your identity and current physical address. Elections Alberta accepts more than 50 types of identification. Generally, electors can use one government-issued photo ID showing their full name, current physical address and photo, or two pieces of identification showing their full name, with at least one showing their current physical address.

IF YOU LIVE ON NATION (ON RESERVE)

For Blackfoot members living on Nation (on reserve), identification can sometimes look different from what is used at a conventional street address. A mailing address, P.O. Box or legal land description may be used instead of a traditional street address.

Elections Alberta provides information about acceptable identification, current physical address requirements and attestation options for electors living on Nation (on reserve). Because requirements can depend on individual circumstances, Elections Alberta should be used as the official source for confirming what identification is acceptable.

Elections Alberta — ID Required to Vote:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/id-required-to-vote/

KNOW WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

There are different options for voting depending on when you choose to cast your ballot.

Advance Voting takes place October 13–17, 2026. During Advance Voting, eligible electors can vote at any advance voting location within their electoral division. Advance voting locations will generally be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you vote on Referendum Day, Monday, October 19, 2026, you will need to vote at your assigned voting location. Election Day voting places are scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Elections Alberta’s referendum Where to Vote information will become available beginning September 21, 2026. Where to Vote cards will also be mailed to electors before Advance Voting begins.

Find Your Voting Location:
https://map.elections.ab.ca/

VOTING BY SPECIAL BALLOT

Eligible Alberta electors can also vote by Special Ballot, and a reason is not required to apply.

The deadline to request a referendum Special Ballot is September 25, 2026 at midnight.

Completed Special Ballot packages must be received by Elections Alberta by mail before 5:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026. Anyone planning to use a Special Ballot should allow enough time for the application and mailing process.

Request a Special Ballot:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/

IMPORTANT DATES

September 21, 2026 — Referendum Where to Vote information becomes available.

September 25, 2026 at midnight — Deadline to request a Special Ballot.

October 13–17, 2026 — Advance Voting.

October 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. — Deadline for Elections Alberta to receive completed Special Ballots by mail.

October 19, 2026 — Referendum Day. Voting places are scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

GET READY TO VOTE

As October 19 approaches, make sure your voter information is up to date, review the identification requirements and know your voting options. Whether you choose Advance Voting, Election Day or a Special Ballot, Elections Alberta is the official source for the most current information.

INFORMATION IN BLACKFOOT

Elections Alberta provides voter information and voting assistance in Siksikáí’powahsin (Blackfoot). Blackfoot members can access language assistance and information about voting, eligibility and the referendum directly through Elections Alberta.

Elections Alberta — Assistance in Your Language:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/assistance-in-your-language/

KEY LINKS

Elections Alberta — Referendum 2026:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/elections/referendum/

Check Your Registration:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/register-to-vote/

ID Requirements:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/voters/id-required-to-vote/

Where to Vote:
https://map.elections.ab.ca/

Request a Special Ballot:
https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/

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Welcome to Issue 003 of OKI COLLECTIVE // QUARTERLY. https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/welcome-to-issue-003-of-oki-collective-quarterly/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:33:09 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1248 Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is pleased to release Issue 003 of OKI COLLECTIVE // QUARTERLY, covering the work, leadership and activities from January through August 2026.

This edition captures a period of continued Treaty advocacy, national engagement, economic partnership and community work. From meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal ministers to Blackfoot Confederacy participation at the 2026 Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly, the issue highlights the ongoing work to advance Treaty rights, strengthen Nation-to-Nation relationships and ensure Blackfoot Nations have a direct voice in decisions affecting their lands, rights and future.

Issue 003 also highlights important work taking place closer to home, including the annual Blackfoot Guardians Gathering, the Sacred and Significant Sites Tour led through Education and Language, coordinated health planning, new staff and leadership appointments, and initiatives supporting Blackfoot youth. The issue also celebrates the 2026–2027 Siksikaitsitapi royalty and the continued work of programs and teams across the Confederacy.

The publication also addresses Alberta’s 2026 referendum and the information Niitsitapi need as Treaty people, including the separation question, voting eligibility and important dates. Alongside this, readers will find stories highlighting new economic relationships, including the joint economic implementation plan established between Blackfoot Confederacy and the Iroquois Caucus.

OKI COLLECTIVE // QUARTERLY continues to serve as a record of the work being carried out across Siksikaitsitapi. Issue 003 brings together the people, programs, decisions, gatherings and initiatives that have shaped the first eight months of 2026, providing members and partners with a look at the continued work of Blackfoot Confederacy and the collective priorities of the four Nations.

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ALBERTA REFERENDUM 2026 | WHAT NIITSITAPI NEED TO KNOW https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/alberta-referendum-2026-what-niitsitapi-need-to-know/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:36:44 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1242 Blackfoot Confederacy is launching a weekly voter information campaign for Blackfoot Niitsitapi in the lead-up to the Alberta referendum on October 19, 2026.

Each week, Blackfoot Confederacy will share clear information about the referendum, the questions being asked, voting eligibility, important dates, voting options and what Blackfoot people need to know as Treaty people.

WHAT IS BEING VOTED ON?

There will be 10 referendum questions on separate, numbered and colour-coded ballots. Questions 1–9 are Yes/No questions. Question 10 is the separation question.

It asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or whether the Government of Alberta should begin the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a future binding provincial referendum on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.

Important: Question 10 is not the final vote on separation. A Yes vote would not itself separate Alberta from Canada. It would support beginning the legal process toward a future referendum. Elections Alberta states that the result of Question 10 is not binding.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO NIITSITAPI?

For Blackfoot people, Alberta’s constitutional future raises important questions about Blackfoot sovereignty, Treaty rights, jurisdiction, lands, waters and the Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Crown.

Blackfoot Nations and our Treaty relationships existed long before the Province of Alberta. Blackfoot Treaty 7 is a Nation-to-Nation agreement, and Blackfoot Confederacy has stated that Blackfoot Nations are Treaty partners, not simply stakeholders in decisions concerning our lands, rights and future.

In May 2026, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench ruled in litigation concerning the earlier citizen-led separation petition that Alberta had breached its duty to consult First Nations. Blackfoot Confederacy was one of the First Nations parties involved in that legal challenge.

WHO CAN VOTE?

If you are a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older, and ordinarily resident in Alberta, you may be eligible to vote.

Being First Nations does not prevent an eligible Blackfoot person from voting. Elections Alberta also provides identification and attestation options for certain circumstances, including electors residing on a First Nation.

Advance voting is scheduled for October 13–17, 2026. Referendum Day is Monday, October 19, 2026, with voting places scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Eligible electors can also vote by mail through the Special Ballot process. Applications close October 9, 2026, and completed ballots must be received by Elections Alberta before 5:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026.

KNOW THE QUESTION. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. KNOW HOW TO VOTE.

This is Week 1 of Blackfoot Confederacy’s Alberta Referendum 2026 campaign. Follow Blackfoot Confederacy communications each week as we provide information to help Blackfoot Niitsitapi understand the referendum and participate in the voting process.

For information about voter eligibility, identification, registration and voting options visit: www.elections.ab.ca/voters

For official referendum information visit: www.elections.ab.ca/elections/referendum

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Blackfoot Confederacy Announces Kirby Smith as New Director of Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-announces-kirby-smith-as-new-director-of-siksikaitsitapi-ohkinniinaiks-society/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:17:51 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1238 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blackfoot Confederacy Announces Kirby Smith as New Director of Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society

Mohkinstsis (Calgary, AB) | August 27, 2026 — Blackfoot Confederacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirby Smith of Piikani Nation as the new Director of the Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society (Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Society), effective August 26, 2026.

Smith brings eight years of dedicated service with Blackfoot Confederacy to his new leadership role. Throughout his career with the Confederacy, he has served in senior intergovernmental relations and leadership capacities, supporting the Chiefs and the organization in advancing the collective priorities of Siksikaitsitapi.

Most recently serving as Director of Inter-Governmental Relations, Smith has been actively involved in strengthening relationships between Blackfoot Confederacy and governments, municipalities, organizations and other partners. His work has included supporting government-to-government dialogue, advancing Blackfoot priorities through intergovernmental engagement, and representing the Confederacy in important regional and national discussions.

Smith has also played an important role in advancing Blackfoot presence and relationships throughout southern Alberta, including work connected to the Siksikaitsitapi Pow Wow and Princess Pageant and the Confederacy’s relationship-building with municipalities such as the City of Calgary and the Town of Banff.

As Director of the Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society, Smith will provide senior operational leadership for the Society and support the implementation of its strategic priorities. The Society brings together the leadership of Kainai, Siksika Nation, Piikani Nation and Amskapi Piikani, working collectively to advance the priorities of Siksikaitsitapi through strategic coordination, advocacy and government relations.

Blackfoot Confederacy leadership recognizes Smith’s extensive experience, knowledge of the organization and longstanding commitment to the collective work of the Confederacy as important strengths as he takes on this new position.

Smith’s appointment represents a continuation of the Confederacy’s commitment to building strong Blackfoot leadership and ensuring that the work of the Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’niinaiks Society is carried forward with a clear understanding of the priorities, relationships and responsibilities of the four Nations.

Blackfoot Confederacy extends its congratulations to Kirby Smith on his appointment and looks forward to his continued service in advancing the collective priorities and interests of Siksikaitsitapi.

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Media Contact:
Theoren Royal
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager
Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
theorenr@blackfootconfederacy.ca

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Blackfoot Confederacy Welcomes Newly Elected Amskapi Piikani Leadership https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/blackfoot-confederacy-welcomes-newly-elected-amskapi-piikani-leadership/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:33:33 +0000 https://blackfootconfederacy.ca/?p=1235 Blackfoot Confederacy leadership and staff met with newly elected Amskapi Piikani Chairman Terry Tatsey and members of the newly elected council on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Browning, Montana.

The meeting provided an opportunity to welcome the newly elected officials and provide a brief orientation on the work of Blackfoot Confederacy, its leadership, and ongoing relationships across Siksikaitsitapi.

Representing Blackfoot Confederacy were Chief Troy Knowlton of Piikani Nation and Chief Samuel Crowfoot of Siksika Nation, along with Council Members Albertine Crowshoe of Piikani Nation and Dorothy First Rider of the Kainai-Blood Tribe.

Blackfoot Confederacy staff in attendance included CEO Kimmy Shade, Kirby Smith, Jodi Running Rabbit and Theoren Royal.

The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships and communication among the four Nations of Siksikaitsitapi. It also provided an opportunity to introduce the newly elected Amskapi Piikani leadership to the work, priorities and ongoing initiatives of Blackfoot Confederacy.

Blackfoot Confederacy extends congratulations to Chairman Terry Tatsey and the newly elected Amskapi Piikani Council and looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration among Siksikaitsitapi leadership.

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