City approves partnership of understanding with Kainai/Blood Tribe

“While this agreement is a positive step forward for both communities, it also represents and acknowledges the racism and social difficulties many in the Indigenous community have experienced in our city.”

Spearman said the agreement will give staff an opportunity to better understand and reflect the needs of Blackfoot and other Indigenous individuals in the City of Lethbridge’s plans, programs, policies and services.

The MOU is guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Chief Roy Fox ‘Makiinima’ stated that, “on behalf of the leadership/Council of the Kainaiwa/Blood Tribe, I want to express our sincerity in working with the Mayor and Council of Lethbridge on this Memorandum of Understanding.”

“Even though there have been differences between ourselves and the City of Lethbridge, we entered this memorandum with the hope that it will reduce the racism that has been evident from southern Alberta towards the people of the Kainaiwa/Blood Tribe and other Indigenous groups in the south.”

He added that this is a chance for them to share their perspectives with city officials and with southern Alberta as a whole, “with the hope and understanding that it will lead to a better relationship.”

The City of Lethbridge remarked that the purpose of the MOU is to establish stronger communications, planning and opportunities for joint advocacy between the city and Kainaiwa/Blood Tribe to advance issues of common interest and resolve issues of common concern.

Makiinima commented that, “historically, many of us have faced racism in different ways in southern Alberta, and it is now time again for us to work collaboratively towards a more positive relationship.”

“The Mayor and his Council are to be commended for the work they have done in bringing our communities together, and so we will do our part in ensuring that we have a more understanding and caring attitude amongst ourselves.”

He added that, “however, we also need to realize that our respective political leaders cannot enact laws and policies in changing people’s attitudes, but we can encourage more empathy and appreciation from all of the people of southern Alberta and Lethbridge, so that it will reflect the notion that we are all relatives.”

Makiinima noted that everyone deserves more understanding and respect of one another.

“We look forward in developing more substance to this Memorandum of Understanding – again we thank the Mayor and his Council in embracing our respective challenges.”

The implementation of the MOU will be done via joint working committees with representation from the City of Lethbridge and Kainai/Blood Tribe Administrations. Working committees will report bi-annually to joint meetings of the councils.

A public signing and celebration of the MOU will take place at a yet-to-be-announced date. It will occur when public health restrictions allow gatherings and events to properly celebrate the occasion.

by Justin Goulet

City approves partnership of understanding with Kainai/Blood Tribe

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