City of Calgary and Blackfoot Confederacy Sign Historic Relationship Agreement

A new chapter in Calgary’s relationship with the Blackfoot Confederacy has officially begun.

The City of Calgary and the Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on Communication and Cooperation (MOU), solidifying a renewed partnership grounded in trust, respect, reciprocity, and honesty. This is the first formal agreement of its kind between the City and the Blackfoot Confederacy, and it marks a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration.

The agreement was signed earlier this week by Mayor Jyoti Gondek on behalf of the City, alongside Chiefs from the Piikani and Siksika Nations. Kainai First Nations will sign at a later date.

While not legally binding, the MOU outlines a shared commitment to regular communication, engagement, and joint action on a wide range of shared priorities. These include environmental stewardship, cultural recognition, and economic opportunity. It also reflects the long-standing historical and cultural relationship between the Blackfoot people and the area now known as Calgary — or Mohkinstsis, in Blackfoot.

Calgary City Council unanimously approved the agreement on April 29, 2025. With the MOU now in effect, work will begin on implementing the agreement, starting with the formation of a Technical Committee that will identify specific focus areas for collaboration over the next year.

This is a significant and positive step forward in building a stronger, more inclusive Calgary — one that honours and strengthens the ties to the Blackfoot Confederacy and the broader Indigenous community.