Blackfoot Confederacy Conference 2025 provides platform for community updates and nation-building dialogues
Event Recap by Blood Tribe Communications Officer Henry Heavyshield
*correction: in our original post we incorrectly reported that John Murray was on the elders’ panel when he had been replaced by Joyce Spoonhunter. We apologize for the confusion. Edited on September 26, 2025 at 10:40 am
The 24th annual Siksikai’tsitapi Blackfoot Confederacy Conference took place in Lethbridge, AB., from September 16 – 18, 2025. This year’s theme was “Ahkanaitoomistoo Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot People Will Come Together” and was hosted by the Piikani Nation. The gathering brought together leadership, elders, and community members from the four Blackfoot Confederacy nations to update, inform, and participate in nation-building dialogue.
The conference opened with a landmark and pipe ceremony conducted by Ira Provost, followed by a grand entry and prayers. Chiefs Troy Knowlton of Piikani, Ouray Crowfoot of Siksika, Travis Plaited Hair (Aakaayaamihtsinima) of Kainai, and Chairman Rodney Jarvis of Amskapi Piikani shared remarks that emphasized our unity and collective strength as Niitsitapi.
Historical and legal issues were addressed through a presentation on The Battle of the Belly River by Camina Weasel Moccasin (AotaanAakii), Indigenous Curator at Galt Museum, and a panel discussion on Section 35 featuring Justice Eugene Creighton (Aakaota’si), Carly Fox, and Justice Tony Mandamin. Sessions on consultation, governance, and child and family jurisdiction (Bill C-92) highlighted ongoing work of our tribes to strengthen sovereignty and community well-being.
Day three featured updates on BFC priorities, including education and governance, alongside presentations on the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA). The evening’s banquet offered a film screening, youth dance performance, and an Elders’ panel, featuring Wilton Good Striker, Joyce Spoonhunter*, Peter Strikes with a Gun, and Herman Yellow Old Woman.
On the final day presenters addressed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), updates from Piikani Board of Education, and the Intoxicants Provisions in Treaties. The conference concluded with a transfer ceremony to next year’s host nation, Siksika.
This year’s BFC Conference provided a platform for Niitsitapi to “come together” and reaffirm our commitment to protecting our language, culture, and governance while working collectively for future generations. Please enjoy the following photo-essay covering some of this year’s conference highlights.
