Alberta’s government and Siksika Nation sign a letter of intent to formalize a partnership with the Government of Canada that will lead to a plan for Siksika Nation to transition to a self-administered police service. From left to right: Councillor Ike Solway, Councillor Reuben Breaker, Councillor Lou Ann Solway, Minister Ellis, Chief Ouray Crowfoot, Councillor Carlin Black Rabbit.
In a signing ceremony April 24 in Calgary, Alberta’s government and Siksika Nation signed a letter of intent to formalize a partnership with the Government of Canada that will lead to a plan for Siksika Nation to transition to a self-administered police service. The letter of intent will be finalized by sending it to the federal government for signing.
“Support for self-policing is a strong step towards meaningful reconciliation. Alberta’s government will continue to partner with communities that want to develop their own policing model. We’re pleased to support Siksika Nation as they research the financial and logistical challenges that would accompany a complex transition process. This agreement will ensure the handover from the RCMP to the new police service takes place without any interruptions in vital services to local residents.”
"One of Siksika leadership’s top priorities is to help improve the quality of life for our people. Safety and security are basic human needs to improve life expectancy, quality and quantity of life. It is paramount for our people to feel safe in their own community. Siksika Nation’s re-establishment of our own Siksika-administered police service will go a long way towards improving our people’s quality of life.”
As part of their work, the province and Siksika Nation will work together to develop a clear operational timeline and negotiate a transition agreement with the federal government.
The Siksika Nation and the governments of Alberta and Canada reached a deal in the summer of 2022 allowing the nation to take over policing responsibilities from the RCMP.
Quick facts
- This agreement creates Canada’s first self-administered First Nation police service in 14 years.
- In 2018, Alberta’s government provided the Siksika Nation with a $30,000 Community Policing Grant to fund a feasibility study that led to the 2022 signing of a memorandum of understanding focused on developing a funding framework for a new police service in Siksika.