(L to R) Blackfoot Resource Hub Receptionist, Tyra Standing Alone, Cultural Specialists Karen Delaney, Joey Blood, and Program Manager, Mary Plume, at the Blackfoot Resource Hub in Lethbridge, Alberta, on May 13, 2025.
Story by Todd Eagle Child, Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement
Blood Reserve, AB – Many Blood Tribe members reside in the City of Lethbridge or Sikoohkotoki, and for many of our members, transitioning into city life can be a daunting experience.
Blackfoot Resource Hub manager Mary Plume said, “Sometimes it can be overwhelming for individuals, especially if they are new to the city; where do I turn?” Plume continues, “We’ve had individuals that want to go back to school, or they don’t know how to get their own place, or they’re faced with a tough situation where they have no food, so we’re able to help point them in the right direction.”
The Blackfoot Resource Hub was established as a collaborative effort between the Blood Tribe and the City of Lethbridge, serving as a cultural and social support program for the community. To help not only our Blood Tribe members but the Indigenous community to help navigate the many systems that make up Sikoohkotoki.
An unfortunate reality is that many of our members face barriers and have negative experiences within the city when trying to access services such as housing, education, employment, medical support, and even the process of obtaining identification cards.
Blackfoot Resource Hub Cultural Specialist Joey Blood said, “Anytime you go into a new place, it can feel a bit intimidating, and some of the issues that do happen to our community members may have a negative experience with some service providers. So, not wanting to go back to these places because of what happened.” Blood continues, “So with us being able to assist them to go to these places, I feel it is very important and is a benefit that we are in the position to help them bridge those gaps and break down those barriers with our non-indigenous service providers.”
Therefore, by taking the extra steps needed to be inclusive and accessible, the Blackfoot Resource Hub has established itself as an ally to the Indigenous community. Local Blackfoot Elders are also supported and included to assist with the cultural aspect of the programming provided. These Elders help to encourage those members who feel disconnected from our fellow Blackfoot people and culture.
“We are not reinventing the wheel, but there has been such a disconnect for some people not having been raised around it (the culture). It is a revelation for them when they do come and spend the time with us.” Blood continues, “Sometimes learning about who we are wasn’t a priority in some instances, but there is a hunger for it, and it shows in our attendance for our programs as we do have a waitlist.”
Once established, the Blackfoot Resource Hub created partnerships and collaborated with the agencies in Sikoohkotoki. It was through building those partnerships that the Hub was able achieve a greater service reach to the larger Indigenous population. Additionally, being able to provide transportation for registered clients is a huge bonus.
“A lot of people like to work with us because we have the transportation, and I think that is a big part of our program because that’s a big gap. A lot of people want to join these programs but they can’t because of transportation,” said Plume.
Some of the major programs that the Blackfoot Resource Hub provides include monthly face painting, traditional sweats, and on-the-land sessions in the spring and summer at places such as Writing on Stone. Including Blackfoot Elders who take the time to join and help in the sessions, where they provide traditional protocols for smudging, sweats, and sharing storytelling; this is a great benefit to all who attend the Hub.
“It provides that sense of belonging and community and connection. That transfer of knowledge is taking place because now in turn if they ever feel they want to put a sweat together, they’re getting the know-how.” Blood continues, “to be given the opportunity take a group out to show them how to put it (a sweat) together, I’m really glad that I paid attention, just being able to be a part of that process of the transfer of knowledge.”
The Blackfoot Resource Hub is a small group of dedicated workers committed to making Blackfoot Culture more accessible in the City of Lethbridge, to help our members achieve wellness and healing, and, most importantly, a sense of pride in who they are as Blood Tribe members living in Sikoohkotoki.
Blackfoot Resource Hub Cultural Specialist Karen Delaney said, “The Blackfoot resource hub is here for everybody. I’ve heard so many times in the past there was nothing there for our people. So, now, when people come, they feel like they belong. They really enjoy the company, and you start to see people visiting with each other and getting to know each other.” Delaney continues, “Within the city of Lethbridge, some feel intimidated, and they want to go back to the Reserve, but there’s nothing out there for them. But here they feel a part of us, it’s good, they need to feel like they matter.”
For more information on the Blackfoot Resource Hub, visit their Facebook page or check out their landing page under Blood Tribe Management on the Blood Tribe website at bloodtribe.org. You can call for more information or to register for their programs at 587-787-4484. The Blackfoot Resource Hub is reclaiming Blackfoot’s ways of knowing, by helping Indigenous families and individuals achieve success and well-being living off-reserve.
