Calgary Establishes Groundbreaking Partnership with Siksika Health Services Through New Memorandum of Understanding
The City of Calgary has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Siksika Health Services. This agreement, formalized on April 17, 2026, represents the city's second such partnership with a neighboring First Nation, following last year's agreement with the Blackfoot Confederacy.
A Commitment Beyond Signatures
In a news release, city officials emphasized that this non-binding agreement goes far beyond mere formalities. The partnership is designed to formalize a long-term collaboration rooted in reconciliation, mutual respect, and shared objectives for community well-being through sport and recreation programs.
"This is not just a formality; it is a genuine, lasting commitment to this partnership," declared Angie Sarsons, chief executive of Siksika Health Services. "History has shown us that signatures alone do not guarantee impact; many peoples and organizations have signed agreements before, and continue to struggle with honouring the commitments within them."
Core Principles and Objectives
The agreement establishes several fundamental commitments that will guide the partnership:
- Addressing racism and stereotypes through collaborative initiatives
- Advancing Truth and Reconciliation efforts in practical, meaningful ways
- Promoting Blackfoot culture, language, and history through shared programming
- Developing sport and recreation opportunities that benefit both Siksika residents and Calgarians
Following the signing ceremony, the agreement was honored with a traditional Blackfoot ceremony, emphasizing the cultural significance of the partnership beyond bureaucratic formalities.
A Model for Future Collaborations
According to city officials, this partnership is intended to serve as a model for other Indigenous communities and public sport and recreation organizations across Canada. The focus is not merely on what will be accomplished, but how it will be achieved.
"The MOU, as it's written, isn't really about the things we're going to do, but more about how we're going to do it," explained Jarret Hoebers, the city's manager of recreation service delivery. "It's really exciting to be partnering with Siksika Health, an organization that shares the values of a holistic approach to individual and community well-being."
Advancing Reconciliation Through Action
At City Hall, Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted how this partnership advances the findings of the 2016 White Goose Flying report, which was submitted to Calgary City Council by the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Advisory Committee. The report outlines local calls to action to advance Truth and Reconciliation.
"The City of Calgary has been working with Siksika Nation, as well as our other Treaty 7 partners, for practical, on-the-ground ways that we can advance reconciliation but also improve the service delivery for Siksika residents, but also Calgarians as well," Mayor Farkas told reporters.
While memorandums of understanding are not legally binding documents, Mayor Farkas characterized this agreement as "substantive" collaboration that represents genuine progress in municipal-Indigenous relations.
Expanding Partnership Network
The city is already working toward a third memorandum of understanding with Tsuut'ina Nation, according to Mayor Farkas. He cited specific collaborative projects under discussion, including Calgary Transit's plan to extend bus service to Buffalo Run, a shopping complex on Tsuut'ina territory, which would require negotiated cost-sharing arrangements.
"We're looking at ways that mutually we can approach development along that corridor to make sure that it's mutually complementary uses on both sides of, say, the City of Calgary limits as well as the Nation," Mayor Farkas explained regarding the potential Tsuut'ina partnership.
This growing network of Indigenous partnerships demonstrates Calgary's commitment to building sustainable, respectful relationships with Treaty 7 nations through concrete actions and shared governance approaches that benefit all community members.
