Blood Tribe Police Service announce plans to construct new detachment in Standoff, AB.
Story by Henry Heavyshield, Blood Tribe Communications Officer
On Friday August 29, 2025, The Blood Tribe and Alberta provincial government announced their plan to construct a new Blood Tribe Police Services detachment in Standoff, AB. The province is investing $6.3 million into the project. This financial commitment is in addition to $5 million matched by the Blood Tribe and $6.8 million invested by the federal government.
Blood Tribe Police Chief Grant Buckskin, Vice Chair of the Blood Tribe Police Commission Tyler Oka, and Blood Tribe Chief Travis Plaited Hair were joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety, Mike Ellis, to make the announcement on the Blood Reserve.
“Construction of the new facility reflects the steadfast commitment to the people of the Blood Reserve, affirming that their safety is paramount and will continue to remain at the forefront as the Blood Tribe Police carries out their duties,” said Buckskin.
“We are the largest Indian reserve in Canada. We currently have a membership of at least 14,000 members. So this building is going to enhance that service. Great service we’re already providing, but the new building will be state of the art, up-to-date technology, with everything that we need to allow our police force to continue doing the great job they’ve been doing over the past few years,” said Chief Travis Plaited Hair.
The new detachment, which is expected to be approximately 27, 000 ft2, will not only provide space for the BTPS to grow in terms of personnel, but it will also include infrastructure for specialized units not currently available.
“We need to make sure that there’s room for a potential tactical team, a K-9-unit, [forensic] identification section, investigating major crimes. And these are all things that we talk about when we talk about modernized policing. I think with this building it’s going to provide the opportunity not for just what the community needs now, but what they are going to need into the future,” said Ellis.
Blood Tribe Chief of Police Grant Buckskin expressed his optimism regarding what a new building means for the tribe.
“These are the little things that, you know, all municipal services take for granted. But as a First Nations police service, we don’t. And now we’re evolving. We’re moving forward,” said Buckskin.
Ellis congratulated the Tribe on its efforts to help modernize its emergency services.
“A new building means enhanced public and officer safety, with better service for residents, whether it’s quicker response times, improved investigations or a safer environment for those who work at the detachment,” said Ellis.
“Alberta’s government is proud to stand with the Blood Tribe, a committed partner in public safety. This investment is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about respecting and supporting indigenous-led policing,” added Ellis.
The Blood Tribe Police Service is one of three First Nations police services operating in Alberta. This year marks the 35th anniversary since the BTPS first began serving the tribe.
The existing BTPS detachment was built in 1990 to originally house a team of 12 officers. In the 35 years since, Kainai nation has grown substantially and so has its policing needs. BTPS now employs 47 sworn officers and 25 civilian staff members.
The new BTPS detachment coincides with the Blood Tribe’s other ongoing capital projects aimed at modernizing Kainai’s existing public service delivery and infrastructure.
“In the next couple years there will be lots of activity here in Standoff and in other parts of the reserve, new projects. But this one, particularly, I’m happy that it’s on its way to being a reality,” said Chief Plaited Hair.
“They [BTPS] do so much not only in protecting our community and keeping it safe, but in getting involved in community activities. And that’s something that I’ve always been impressed with,” added Chief Plaited Hair.
A sod-turning ceremony is anticipated to take place in the spring of 2026, with an expected project completion at the beginning of 2027.
