(Supplied by Siksika Nation)

By David Opinko

Siksika Nation signs new deal with Ottawa with focus on renewing relationship

Aug 10, 2021 | 11:23 AM

SIKSIKA NATION, AB – The federal government has inked a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a First Nation in Southern Alberta.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett says the Government of Canada and the Siksika Nation have reached a new key milestone in their relationship.

“Today is important for renewing our Treaty relationship with Siksika Nation. Sincere gratitude and congratulations to Chief Ouray Crowfoot and Council for your leadership and dedication. This Memorandum of Understanding sets the stage for discussions focused on advancing Siksika Nation’s right to self-determination, policing and community safety, language and cultural retention, and education and training. We are proud to work in partnership to advance Siksika community priorities on their path to self-determination.”

The MOU also outlines the next steps in the process and topics for exploratory discussions between the two parties.

Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot adds that they want to foster a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, while also developing a new fiscal relationship that would help to promote the cultural, economic, and social wellbeing of their communities.

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“We look forward to developing a new fiscal arrangement with Canada. One that will fulfill the true spirit and intent of the Treaty. One that will address many issues that have long been underfunded or overlooked. We will be working together, Nation-to-Nation, to develop mutually acceptable terms and take measures to obtain a formal negotiation mandate, which will build a foundation for success for Siksika Nation.”

The Siksika Nation, a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, is home to more than 7,800 people.

The Nation’s administration and business district is located near the Town of Gleichen, approximately 160 km north of Lethbridge.

The exact details of the MOU have not been released.

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