PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2024

Siksika Nation marks a milestone in their Land Use Plan

Siksika Nation Land Management recently completed Phase 2 (creation of Land Use Plan) and is now moving into Phase 3 – Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation & Compliance. 

Siksika Nation is pleased to announce that Ohkinniinaa and Ninaaks (Siksika Nation Chief and Council) has officially approved Siksika Nation’s Land Use Plan.  Approval received via Motion issued on January 26, 2024.

“Our population is growing. Nation members want to come back home to Siksika, and having this defined plan, helps us accommodate future generations. From farmlands, ranch lands, and homes, we want to ensure we can accommodate all the needs of Siksika, today, and into the future.” Ouray Crowfoot, Ohkinniinaa (Chief).

“This is an opportunity to take our current and future population growth and plan for how we are going to accommodate Siksika Nation members using our current land base. In terms of housing, infrastructure, culture, and the opportunities to grow economically, and provide for our families. This Land Use Plan will help us speak to our needs and plan for a prosperous future for Siksika Nation.”  Richard Sparvier, Tribal Manager, Siksika Nation Tribal Administration.

Quick Facts: 
• Siksika Nation issues BCR to support this process in 2021.  
• Siksika embarks on Phase 1: Assessing the Need & Capacity Development in 2022. 
• Siksika enters Phase 2: Land Use Plan Development in 2023 
• Siksika enters Phase 3: Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation & Compliance 2024 – We are here now. Siksika Chief and Council approved the Land Use Plan via Motion to support this phase of the plan. 

As we enter phase 3 there will be ongoing opportunities for feedback on the plan, policies, and processes.  We will be reporting back to the community with a celebration this Spring/Summer 2024. 

About Siksika Nation 

Since time immemorial, the Children of the Plains, the Siksikai’tsitapi – Blackfoot People, have lived in and protected a territory that stretches from the North Saskatchewan River in present day Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Yellowstone River in the state of Montana, from the Continental Divide in the west to Regina in the province now known as Saskatchewan.

Today, Siksika Nation population is approximately 7800+ and is part of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy. The Siksikaitsitapi refers to four Indigenous Nations which make up the Blackfoot people: the Siksika (Blackfoot), the Kainai (Many Chiefs), the Apatohsipiikani (Northern Peigan) and Amsskapipiikani (Southern Peigan). Siksikai’powahsini (Blackfoot Language) is the language of the Siksikaitsitapi.

Please contact Land Management if you have any questions,

CONTACT 
Siksika Land Management 
403-734-5282 
landsreception@siksikanation.com

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