Blackfoot Confederacy and City of Calgary building on progress under historic MOU
The Blackfoot Confederacy and The City of Calgary are building on progress made through their historic Memorandum of Understanding on Communication and Cooperation, building lasting relationships, strengthening collaboration and advancing shared priorities.
Signed on May 9, 2025, the first-of-its-kind agreement for The City established a shared commitment to a stronger partnership between The Blackfoot Confederacy and The City of Calgary. It supports collaboration on shared priorities such as housing, arts and culture, economic development and tourism and events and communications, while creating a framework for regular dialogue, information-sharing and coordinated action.
“A year and a half into this agreement, we have built meaningful relationships, deepened our understanding of one another and identified opportunities to move forward together,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “There is still much work ahead, but our ongoing dialogue, mutual respect and shared commitment have reinforced the value of continuing this work as partners.”
Turning shared priorities into action
Since the MOU was signed, the partnership has strengthened and connected work already underway across shared priorities, including Indigenous housing, arts and culture. This includes improving how The City works with Indigenous housing applicants and advancing Indigenous-led housing, travelling exhibitions and public art initiatives. These early outcomes demonstrate how stronger relationships and shared understanding are helping turn shared priorities into action.
“Mohkinstsis has always been an important place for Niitsitapi, and our relationship with this city carries both history and responsibility,” said Piikani Nation Chief and Blackfoot Confederacy President Troy Knowlton. “What we are building now is a stronger way to work together on the issues that affect our people today and future generations. This flag raising recognizes that relationship and the continued shared work that benefits our Blackfoot Nations and Calgarians.”
Looking ahead
Guided by the MOU, the Blackfoot Confederacy and The City will build on this progress by continuing to advance shared priorities in housing and houselessness, economic participation, arts and culture, and communications and engagement. The next phase will also focus on strengthening how this work is coordinated and guided to build capacity, remove barriers and create lasting benefits for Blackfoot Confederacy Nations and Calgarians.
“Strong communities are built intentionally through relationships grounded in mutual benefit, accountability and respect,” said Katie Black, Acting Chief Operating Officer – City Services, The City of Calgary. “We share a responsibility to look beyond today and create opportunities for future generations to thrive. Our work to date has shown the importance of trust, listening and learning from one another — and while we, at The City, have deepened our understanding of Blackfoot history, perspectives and priorities, that learning is only beginning.”
Through continued dialogue, shared accountability and action, the Blackfoot Confederacy and The City will build on this foundation and create lasting benefits for current and future generations.
Learn more about the MOU and The City’s work with Indigenous communities at calgary.ca.