The Alberta government and the Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council signed a historic agreement today on a buffalo hide, a gift of friendship to Alberta’s government.
“This historic agreement puts proof behind the word ‘reconciliation,’ or as I like to call it, ‘reconcili-action.’ By forming this partnership with Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina, Alberta’s government will work closely with our First Peoples to ensure prosperity and opportunity reach all who call our province home.”
The Alberta-Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Protocol Agreement outlines a formal process for ministers, chiefs and councils to meet several times throughout the year on key priority areas identified by the council:
- health
- economic growth
- education
- family services and housing
“This agreement was signed in the spirit of reconciliation and goes beyond talk by committing both governments to engage on social and economic issues. We look forward to continuing a productive, shared relationship.”
The protocol agreement is a broad umbrella under which the two governments can have meaningful discussions, share information and explore issues of mutual concern.
The agreement also commits to an annual meeting between the Chiefs of the Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council and Premier Jason Kenney.
The Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council includes four First Nations near Calgary: Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Wesley First Nation, and Tsuut’ina Nation. Together, these First Nations have more than 8,000 members.
In 2020-21, the Alberta government will provide the Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council a $200,000 grant to support the agreement’s implementation. The agreement will remain in place for as long as both parties wish to keep it active.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s first protocol agreement was signed in April 2016 with Treaty 8 First Nations. In September 2019, the Blackfoot Confederacy renewed their protocol agreement with the province.