STANDOFF, ALBERTA – May 5, 2026:
Blood Tribe Council (“Council”) is writing to provide a further update on its ongoing review of student transportation services on the Blood Reserve. As shared in our previous community notices, including the notice dated March 2, 2026, Council has been carefully reviewing how these services are delivered to ensure they remain safe, effective, and sustainable for our students and families.
Council is pleased to report that student transportation services will continue throughout the school year while it continues its review of student transportation operations. Council does, however, recognize that Blood Tribe Members have questions about this matter. Council is committed to being as transparent as possible while respecting legal and procedural limits. The information below is intended to provide context for the work that is currently underway.
Important Note Regarding Legal Process
Council has received correspondence from legal counsel for the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op indicating that the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op is considering legal action in relation to Council’s decision to review the delivery model for student transportation services on the Blood Reserve. Because these issues may become the subject of court proceedings, Council is not in a position to respond to specific allegations at this time. Council appreciates the understanding and patience of Blood Tribe Members as it works through this process responsibly.
Background: The 2020 Delegation Agreement
In June 2020, Council entered into a Student Transportation Services Delegation Agreement (the “Delegation Agreement”) with Blood Tribe Bus Co-op. Under the Delegation Agreement, the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op was delegated authority to deliver student transportation services on behalf of Council, in a manner that ensured Council remained in good standing with funding agencies, including Indigenous Services Canada (“ISC”).
The Delegation Agreement included a number of important requirements relating to financial reporting, financial transparency, and planning between the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op and Council. The Delegation Agreement included specific obligations for the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op to work with Council on its budget and work plans. There is currently a dispute between Council and the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op as to whether these obligations have been met.
Changes to Education and Transportation Funding
In 2024, ISC advised Council that funding for education and student transportation would change in future years. Specifically, the funding model transitioned to a nominal roll formula based on the number of students enrolled in school. This change has resulted in a reduced level of funding to the Blood Tribe for student transportation services and for education overall. Council shared this funding information with the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op in November 2024 so that planning for upcoming budgets could reflect the new reality.
Since the change in the ISC funding model was communicated, Council and the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op have engaged in discussions regarding the budget for student transportation services. These discussions have included proposed budgets submitted by the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op, requests for additional funding, and Council’s responses based on the level of funding available from ISC.
Despite these discussions occurring, Council and the Blood Tribe Bus Co-op have not been able to reach consensus on issues relating to budget or financial disclosure and reporting. As a result, the Delegation Agreement has been terminated. Council remains committed to ensuring that student transportation services are delivered within the new funding model, and working in good faith toward a sustainable path forward.
Continuing the Review
As noted in Council’s Community Notice dated March 2, 2026 (available on Council’s website), Council is continuing its review of the student transportation framework to ensure services remain safe, effective, and sustainable. This review includes assessing operational structures and contractual arrangements that support the delivery of student transportation going forward. Council has been working productively with various stakeholders, including bus owners, during this review process.
Council’s priority throughout this work remains the same: ensuring our students continue to have safe and reliable transportation, and that the services provided to the community are delivered responsibly within the funding available.
Staying Informed
Council understands that this is an important issue for many families and will continue to share updates as the review progresses and as it is appropriate to do so. Previous community notices, including the March 2, 2026, notice, are available on Council’s website for community members who would like to review them.
Council thanks Blood Tribe Members for their continued patience, understanding, and support as we work through this matter together. Council also takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to our bus drivers for their continued dedication to our children and families.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Blood Tribe Administration.
Blood Tribe Chief and Council
Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa
