By Jayson Black Kettle
The Siksika Nation Support Centre provides financial assistance and other support for community members. Located near the Siksika Nation Tribal Administration offices, the Isspommihtaoyis (Support Centre) administers the SN Financial Supports Program focused on emergency support, the Siksika Food Centre and the community pantry, with a focus on serving low‑income needs.
In December, Support Centre staff coordinated and packed 2000 turkey hampers for Siksika Nation members. The Isspommihtaoyis now aims to share more information about its programs, beginning with the financial assistance program.
“As per our policy, we have three main categories: social assistance, funeral assistance and rental/utility assistance,” said Erica Melting Tallow.
The highest number of requests are social and funeral assistance, according to Melting Tallow.
“Urban and out‑of‑province members are our highest applicants,” Melting Tallow said, adding that on‑reserve members are now learning what our program offers.
The program was adopted by the Support Centre from the Band Expense program in April 2022, becoming the Emergency Supports program, later being renamed again to the Siksika Nation Financial Assistance Program.
Linda Little Chief said that the Support Centre follows its financial assistance policy.
“The purpose of [this] policy is to set out expectations for how Tribal Administration offers financial assistance and how Siksika Members access this funding.”
Little Chief stated that their mandate was to, “[Support] our people with one-time per year financial support, whether it be emergency, sports, community and culture as set out by the SN Financial Assistance Policy.”
All Siksika Nation members are eligible to apply for support, provided they meet the program criteria.
The funding comes from two sources: band funds and a government prevention fund that primarily supports families.
Melting Tallow explained, “For example, you have a single parent with children or a couple with children, and a request is made for their utility bills due to disconnection. This would then fall under the prevention program.”
Each member can receive one-time financial assistance per year as long as they meet the additional eligibility criteria.
Nation members are encouraged to explore the Isspommihtaoyis’ programs to learn about additional services available to them. We are located in the old clinic, and our main phone number is 403-734-5700.
Applications for emergency requests can be requested via email at, emergencysupports@siksikanation.com and sports, community, and culture requests can be requested via donationrequest@siksikanation.com or picked up at the Support Centre.
If nation members have any questions, they can call our team members at 403-734-5700:
SN Financial Program Team Lead: Erica Melting Tallow
Donations Coordinator: Colleen Two Horns
SN Financial Assistance Program Administrative Specialist: Caitlyn Weasel Child
