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Province, Blackfoot Confederacy renew relationship agreement

Sep 23, 2022 | 9:51 AM

The provincial government and the Blackfoot Confederacy have renewed a relationship agreement to work together to address areas of mutual concern and to continue a positive relationship.

The agreement was originally signed in 2019 and includes an annual meeting between the premier, the minister of Indigenous relations and the chiefs of Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation. The three First Nations within the Blackfoot Confederacy have about 24,000 members.

The agreement was renewed on Sept. 22, which also marks the 145th anniversary of the original signing of Treaty 7.

The Alberta-Blackfoot Confederacy Agreement sets out a formal process for the Premier, ministers, chiefs and councils to meet regularly on pre-agreed topics. Two new tables will be added to the agreement:

  • Environment and lands
  • Education
  • Economic development and employment
  • Political and legal
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Truth and Reconciliation
  • Health
  • Child and family services
  • Justice

The agreement will remain in place for as long as both parties wish to keep it active.