The Blood Tribe Police Service will soon have a new detachment, thanks to new provincial funding. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta contributing $5.5M for new Blood Tribe Police detachment

Aug 29, 2025 | 1:43 PM

The Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) now has the funding it needs to build a new, larger and more modern detachment.

The Alberta Government has announced $5.5 million in funding for the $17.2 million project.

The BTPS is one of the oldest First Nations police services in the country, and its current facility was built in 1990.

A news release from the province states that it no longer meets the service’s operational needs.

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, says he wants to improve public safety through new approaches to policing.

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“This investment will help ensure they have the modern infrastructure needed to continue that vital work for decades to come. Alberta’s government is proud to support First Nations in delivering the policing services that works best for them and to stand with the Blood Tribe in strengthening public safety for current and future generations,” says Ellis.

The new detachment will be larger and have secure areas for handling evidence, conducting interviews, and detaining people.

BTPS Chief Grant Buckskin thanked the province for its contribution to their new detachment.

“The construction of this new facility reflects a steadfast commitment to the people of the Blood Reserve, affirming that their safety is paramount and will continue to remain at the forefront as the Blood Tribe Police carry out their duties,” says Bucksin

Traveller Plaited Hair, Chief of the Blood Tribe, adds that he and other local officials have been working for a few years to get this project off the ground, and he is pleased to see if finally moving forward.

In addition to the $5.5 million in provincial funding, the federal government is chipping in $6.8 million, while the Blood Tribe will pay $5 million.

Details such as the location of the new detachment and construction timelines were not provided.