Siksika Nation

The Siksika Nation (Blackfoot: Siksiká; syllabics ᓱᖽᐧᖿ) is a First Nation in southern Alberta, Canada. The name Siksiká comes from the Blackfoot words sik (black) and iká (foot), with a connector s between the two words. The plural form of Siksiká is Siksikáwa. The Siksikáwa are the northernmost of the Niitsítapi (Original People), all of whom speak dialects of Blackfoot, an Algonquian language.

For other Blackfoot/Blackfeet people, see Blackfeet Nation.
Siksika Nation
Band No. 430
Siksiká
PeopleBlackfoot
TreatyTreaty 7
HeadquartersSiksika
ProvinceAlberta
Land[1]
Reserve(s)
Siksika 146
Land area710.875 km2
Population (2,020)[2]
On reserve4120
On other land2
Off reserve3412
Total population7534
Government[3]
ChiefOuray Crowfoot
Tribal Council[4]
Samuel Crowfoot, Reuben Breaker, Ike Solway, Candace Backfat, Carlin Black Rabbit, Kendall Panther Bone, Lou Ann Soloway, Hector Winnipeg, Strater Crowfoot, Marsha Wolf Collar, Owen Crane Bear, and Tracy McHugh.
Website
siksikanation.com

When European explorers travelled west, they most likely met the Siksiká first. The four Niitsítapi nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy are the Siksiká, Káínaa (Kainai or Blood), Aapátohsipikáni (Northern Peigan), and Aamsskáápipikani (South Peigan or Montana Blackfoot). The approximate population of the Siksika Nation, as of 2009, is 6,000 people.[5]

Economic and social stimulus of the Siksika Nation

Siksika Resource Development Limited

The Siksika nations economic authority is the Siksika Resource Development Limited (SRDL) founded in 1997. They manage a diverse group of enterprises and properties.

The SRDL applied for a licence to produce Medical Marijuana in April 2016. They anticipate generating $15M in annual revenue. The Siksika Resource Development Ltd, and Siksika Herbz Ltd, and Frozen Penguin Ltd of Kelowna BC partnership plan to construct 25,000 Sq ft facility on the Siksika Nation. Revenue generated will also be donated to support social services.

The Siksika intend to distribute the medication domestically and internationally. Revenue from the venture is intended to address disparaging economic issues such as Opioid addiction epidemic, and housing. As of 2020 the proposal is still under review. Frozen Penguin will use modern technology and techniques such as 'RotoGro', to maximize profits for the nation.[6][7]

On July 16, 2022. The SRDL partnered with 'Calgary Tree Planting Team' volunteers to plant 300 Sakskatoon berry trees near the "Siksika business Plaza". The initiative will increase food security and provide economic growth for the Nation.[8]

Siksika Family Services Corporation/Siksika Children's Services

The Siksika Family Services was awarded a grant by the Provincial and Federal governments 'Rapid Housing Initiative', to establish a transitional 24 housing unit community for Siksika's vulnerable high need families and youth in the process of cultural reunification. The community will be called "Children's Village".[9]

Location

The Siksika Nation reserve, Siksika 146, is located approximately 95 km (59 mi) east of Calgary, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1). Its administrative and business district is located adjacent to the community of Gleichen.

Siksika Nation is the second largest, land-based, in Canada. Siksika Nation Boundaries of Blackfoot Confederacy Traditional Territory. North-North Saskatchewan River, West – Rock Mountains, East-At the confluence of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers and South-Yellowstone River.

Land claims
Two members of the Siksika Nation from southern Alberta and a local non-Aboriginal supporter in Ottawa on January 11th 2013 for the Idle No More protest movement

The Siksika Nation has had a longstanding land claim dispute with the Government of Canada over events dating back to 1910. The government sought the cession of approximately 46,621.4 hectares (115,204 acres) of land within the Siksika Indian Reserve for sale by the federal government to incoming settlers. The cession included 5,067.6 hectares (12,522 acres) of reserve lands to be transferred to the Canadian Pacific Railway, for construction of the Bassano Dam. The band members were not adequately informed about this portion and lost the use of the surface rights of the land. The Nation claims the transfer was done illegally. In 1980, the government admitted that no proof existed that Canadian Pacific had acquired the rights to the land for the dam.[10]

The Nation entered into negotiations with the Canadian government to settle the land claim. In 1991, the Siksika Nation signed a $4.9m agreement with the government for compensation for mineral rights lost due to construction of the dam. In 2010, the Nation finally reached agreement with the governments of Canada and Alberta to settle the land claims. The band would receive $50 million and new water rights.[10] The money will be put in a trust to benefit the Nation for purposes such as education and welfare.

1910 Global Settlement Agreement

The 6 decade process of land claims commenced in 1960 under the leadership of Siksika Chief Clarence McHugh in 1959. McHugh stated “They told us they would give us a bag of money which would never empty, but somehow, that bag developed a great big hole.” In reference to the late Minister of the Interior, Frank Oliver Who was instrumental in the disembowelment of 289,897 acres of First Nation's territorial integrity throughout his career. He advised First Nations to cede/surrender treaty territory throughout Canada in exchange for frequently reneged Federal concessions or cohesion such as denial of necessities such as food. He promised the Siksika: " It might be better to sell what they do not use for a big bag of money, which could give them money for ever and ever!". McHugh described the surrendering as '“They cut our reserve up like a Christmas turkey and wasted our money.”[11] A reporter described the desolation of Siksika as being 'ramshackle, uninsulated houses without foundations, with cracks and broken windows, patched up with rags and cardboard.', and the houses built from the 1912 initial sale as "almost falling apart". according to McHugh.

In December 2021, Siksika members voted overwhelmingly at 77% (2,682/3,484 voters) in a referendum to ratify the '1910 Global Settlement Agreement'. An omnibus comprehensive resolution to multiple land claims and associated grievances with compensation of $ 1.3 B and entitlement to purchase 115,000 Acres from willing sellers.[12]

On June 2, 2022, in a ceremony at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park", the Federal government and the Siksika Nation signed the ' 1910 Global Settlement Agreement'. The conclusion of a 60 year process of ongoing negotiations to redress numerous land claims of illegal annexation and settlement of 115,000 acres (465.4 kmsq) of productive agricultural, ceremonial, and mineral Siksika territory and the mineral royalties in 1910. [13]

The money is distributed as: $20,000 for each band member, and essential priorities such as establishing a police force, education, infrastructure, and residential school searches.[14]

Notable people

Chief and Council

Ouray Crowfoot, Samuel Crowfoot, Reuben Breaker, Ike Solway, Owen Crane Bear, Candace Backfat, Carlin Black Rabbit, Kendall Panther Bone, Hector Winnipeg, Strater Crowfoot, Marsha Wolf Collar, and Tracy McHugh.

Chief and Council Staff

Mariah Little Chief, Sharon Brass, Erica Sitting Eagle, and Allison Duck Chief.

Tribal Administration

Richard Sparvier, Van Le, Tom Many Heads, and Hossam Yaqoub.

References
  1. "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  2. "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  3. "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  4. "First Nation Detail". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  5. "Oki (Welcome)". Official Website of the Siksika Nation. 2009 (retrieved 12 December 2009)
  6. Brooks, A (Nov 4. 2016) 'Siksika Nation eyes pot production facility'.Calgary Sun, Retrieved from http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/11/04/siksika-nation-eyes-pot-production-facility, Retrieved on Nov 7, 2016
  7. Firs Nations Drum (2019, May.24) 'http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/2019/05/siksika-nation-enters-cannabis-business/', First Nations Drum.
  8. Massiah, M. (2022, July 7).'First steps to a Siksika Saskatoon berry farm', Strathmore Now, retrieved from https://strathmorenow.com/articles/first-steps-to-a-siksika-saskatoon-berry-farm
  9. Tremblay, D.B.(2022, May 4)'New housing project for high risk families in Siksika First Nation', retrieved from https://www.cjwe.ca/news/news/new-housing-project-for-high-risk-families-in-siksika-first-nation/, retrieved on 2022, July 8.
  10. Kelly Clyderman (2010-12-12). "Deal would give native band over $50 million in land dispute". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on 2010-12-16. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  11. Carter,S.(2021, Dec 31).' Opinion: 63 Years Later — The Siksika Land Claim Settlement Finally Settled', Calgary Herald, retrieved from https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/editorials/opinion-63-years-later-the-siksika-land-claim-settlement-finally-settled/
  12. Office of Chief and Council Siksika Nation (2017, December 17).'Siksika Nation members accept the Global Settlement Agreement'[press release], retrieved from https://siksikanation.com/siksika-nation-members-accept-the-global-settlement-agreement/
  13. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau(2022, June 2)' Major historical claim settlement with Siksika Nation', https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2022/06/02/major-historical-claim-settlement-siksika-nation
  14. Bratt, T. (2022, June 2).'Siksika First Nation $1.3B land claim settlement addresses injustices of the past', CityNews retrieved from https://calgary.citynews.ca/2022/06/02/calgary-siksika-settlement/
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