“Our government is focused on building strong, collaborative relationships with First Nations and this agreement will formalize how we will work together. The Chiefs and I will meet annually to discuss progress and strategy,” comments Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
The Alberta–Blackfoot Confederacy Protocol Agreement sets out a formal process for government and the confederacy to collaborate in several areas including:
- economic development
- culture and language
- social, political and legal issues
- environment and lands
- reconciliation
- implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
“I would like to thank the Premier and the Government of Alberta for agreeing to work with us and for recognizing that the Blackfoot have always been on this land. We look forward to working with the Alberta government through a shared sense of responsibility for making life better for all people and all Albertans,” states Chief Roy Fox, Blood Tribe.
“Oki Niiksookowa, friends and relatives, fellow Siksikaitsitipii Chiefs and Councils, Right Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta and Honourable Ministers. Today marks a historic moment in the relationship between the Government of Alberta and the Siksikaitsitipii Tribes in the signing of the protocol agreement. It carves a way forward in working together on matters that impact our tribes and the Government of Alberta. It is also worth noting that this is the first protocol agreement between the Government of Alberta and First Nations outside the Treaty areas in the Province of Alberta,” shares Chief Stanley Grier, Piikani Nation.
“We would like to thank the Premier for the vision and courage she has shown, which has led us to sign this historic agreement. When Treaty 7 was entered into, it allowed for the completion of the CPR which linked Canada from coast to coast and enabled confederation and therefore Treaty 7 belongs to all Albertans. Today’s agreement demonstrates the political will which is necessary to explore commonalities and strengthen how we work together on a nation-to-nation basis. We look forward to exploring opportunities and to working cooperatively with the Government of Alberta to address areas of mutual benefit such as economic development and diversification for both the Blackfoot and all Albertans,” states Chief Joe Weasel Child, Siksika Nation.
“This protocol agreement is an important part of our government’s ongoing efforts to build reconciliation with First Nations. It gives us a solid foundation to work as true partners on the issues and priorities that matter most to Blackfoot Confederacy members,” says Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
Alberta is providing a $375,000 grant to the Blackfoot Confederacy to support the agreement’s implementation. The agreement will remain in place for as long as both parties wish to keep it active.
This is the second protocol agreement signed by the Alberta government. The Alberta–Treaty 8 First Nations Protocol Agreement was signed in April 2016.
