Member of the Alberta Government and Blackfoot Confederacy renew their agreement, September 22, 2022. (Image: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Blackfoot Confederacy renews agreement with Alberta Government

Sep 23, 2022 | 10:09 AM

STANDOFF, AB – The Alberta Government looks to continue working in partnership with First Nations in Southern Alberta.

The province signed a renewed agreement with the Blackfoot Confederacy on September 22, 2022.

The original agreement was signed in 2019 and includes an annual meeting with the Premier, the Minister of Indigenous Relations, and the chiefs of the Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika Nations.

Premier Jason Kenney says the annual meeting allows leaders to discuss the progress made to date and to plan for further initiatives.

“For the past three years, our government has focused on building a true partnership with Indigenous Peoples through shared prosperity,” says Kenney. “This renewed agreement demonstrates how we will continue to build on that success as equal partners, focused on what I call ‘Reconcili-action.’”

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According to a media release from the provincial government, priority areas in the agreement include the economy, environment, and culture, as well as a provision that “each Party takes responsibility for success in achieving a productive working relationship.”

Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson says there is also a larger focus on justice and children and family services.

“Today’s meeting shows our ongoing commitment to working as partners on topics that are important to us all and a reminder that while we have accomplished much, there is still work to be done. This is yet another important step on the path toward reconciliation,” says Wilson.

Indigenous Relations provides $200,000 annually to the Blackfoot Confederacy to help coordinate, establish, and report on the progress of various initiatives.

Grants from the province to the Blackfoot Confederacy in 2022 totalled $545,000 to support work plans for economic development and employment, child and family services, the environment, and truth and reconciliation.

The Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika Nations, which are all represented under the new agreement, have about 24,000 members.

September 22, 2022, marked the 145th anniversary of the original signing of Treaty 7 in Alberta.

READ MORE: Indigenous culture recognized at Kainai Powwow and Celebration in Standoff