Siksika Nation

The Siksika Nation ( bla, Siksiká) is a First Nation in southern Alberta, Canada. The name ''Siksiká'' comes from the Blackfoot words ''sik'' (black) and ''iká'' (foot), with a connector ''s'' between the two words. The plural form of ''Siksiká'' is ''Siksikáwa''. The ''Siksikáwa'' are the northernmost of the ''Niitsítapi'' (Original People), all of whom speak dialects of Blackfoot, an Algonquian language.

When European explorers travelled west, they most likely met the ''Siksiká'' first. The four ''Niitsítapi'' nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy are the ''Siksiká'', ''Káínaa'' (Kainai or Blood), ''Aapátohsipikáni'' (Northern Peigan), and ''Aamsskáápipikani'' (South Peigan or Montana Blackfoot). The approximate population of the Siksika Nation, as of 2009, is 6,000 people."Oki (Welcome)".
''Official Website of the Siksika Nation.'' 2009 (retrieved 12 December 2009)

Economic and social stimulus of the Siksika Nation

Siksika Resource Development Limited

The Siksika nations economic authority is the Siksika Resource Development Limited (SRDL) founded in 1997. They manage a diverse group of enterprises and properties.

The SRDL applied for a licence to produce Medical Marijuana in April 2016. They anticipate generating $15M in annual revenue. The Siksika Resource Development Ltd, and Siksika Herbz Ltd, and Frozen Penguin Ltd of Kelowna BC partnership plan to construct 25,000 Sq ft facility on the Siksika Nation. Revenue generated will also be donated to support social services.

The Siksika intend to distribute the medication domestically and internationally. Revenue from the venture is intended to address disparaging economic issues such as Opioid addiction epidemic, and housing. As of 2020 the proposal is still under review. Frozen Penguin will use modern technology and techniques such as 'RotoGro', to maximize profits for the nation.

On July 16, 2022. The SRDL partnered with 'Calgary Tree Planting Team' volunteers to plant 300 Sakskatoon berry trees near the "Siksika business Plaza". The initiative will increase food security and provide economic growth for the Nation.

Siksika Family Services Corporation/Siksika Children's Services

The Siksika Family Services was awarded a grant by the Provincial and Federal governments 'Rapid Housing Initiative', to establish a transitional 24 housing unit community for Siksika's vulnerable high need families and youth in the process of cultural reunification. The community will be called "Children's Village".

Location

The Siksika Nation reserve, Siksika 146, is located approximately east of Calgary, and south of the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1). Its administrative and business district is located adjacent to the community of Gleichen.

Siksika Nation is the second largest, land-based, in Canada. Siksika Nation Boundaries of Blackfoot Confederacy Traditional Territory.
North-North Saskatchewan River, West – Rock Mountains, East-At the confluence of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers and South-Yellowstone River.

Land claims

The Siksika Nation has had a longstanding land claim dispute with the Government of Canada over events dating back to 1910. The government sought the cession of approximately of land within the Siksika Indian Reserve for sale by the federal government to incoming settlers. The cession included of reserve lands to be transferred to the Canadian Pacific Railway, for construction of the Bassano Dam. The band members were not adequately informed about this portion and lost the use of the surface rights of the land. The Nation claims the transfer was done illegally. In 1980, the government admitted that no proof existed that Canadian Pacific had acquired the rights to the land for the dam.

The Nation entered into negotiations with the Canadian government to settle the land claim. In 1991, the Siksika Nation signed a $4.9m agreement with the government for compensation for mineral rights lost due to construction of the dam. In 2010, the Nation finally reached agreement with the governments of Canada and Alberta to settle the land claims. The band would receive $50 million and new water rights. The money will be put in a trust to benefit the Nation for purposes such as education and welfare.

1910 Global Settlement Agreement

The 6 decade process of land claims commenced in 1960 under the leadership of Siksika Chief Clarence McHugh in 1959. McHugh stated “They told us they would give us a bag of money which would never empty, but somehow, that bag developed a great big hole.” In reference to the late Minister of the Interior, Frank Oliver
Who was instrumental in the disembowelment of 289,897 acres of First Nation's territorial integrity throughout his career. He advised First Nations to cede/surrender treaty territory throughout Canada in exchange for frequently reneged Federal concessions or cohesion such as denial of necessities such as food. He promised the Siksika: " It might be better to sell what they do not use for a big bag of money, which could give them money for ever and ever!". McHugh described the surrendering as '“They cut our reserve up like a Christmas turkey and wasted our money.” A reporter described the desolation of Siksika as being 'ramshackle, uninsulated houses without foundations, with cracks and broken windows, patched up with rags and cardboard.', and the houses built from the 1912 initial sale as "almost falling apart". according to McHugh.

In December 2021, Siksika members voted overwhelmingly at 77% (2682/3484 voters) in a referendum to ratify the '1910 Global Settlement Agreement'. An omnibus comprehensive resolution to multiple land claims and associated grievances with compensation of $ 1.3 B and entitlement to purchase 115,000 Acres from willing sellers.

On June 2, 2022 in a ceremony at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park", the Federal government and the Siksika Nation signed the ' 1910 Global Settlement Agreement'. The conclusion of a 60 year process of ongoing negotiations to redress numerous land claims of illegal annexation and settlement of 115,000 acres (465.4 kmsq) of productive agricultural, ceremonial, and mineral Siksika territory and the mineral royalties in 1910. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau(2022, June 2)' Major historical claim settlement with Siksika Nation', https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2022/06/02/major-historical-claim-settlement-siksika-nation

The money is distributed as: $20,000 for each band member, and essential priorities such as establishing a police force, education, infrastructure, and residential school searches.Bratt, T. (2022, June 2).'Siksika First Nation $1.3B land claim settlement addresses injustices of the past', ''CityNews'' retrieved from https://calgary.citynews.ca/2022/06/02/calgary-siksika-settlement/

Notable people

* Ouray Crowfoot, Chief of the Siksika Nation ( 2019). Signer of the '1910 Global Settlement Agreement'. Worst chief they've ever had.
* Crowfoot, chief of the Siksika Nation ( 1885) and a signer of Treaty 7.
* '' Aatsista-Mahkan'' (Running Rabbit), portrayed in photo by Edward S. Curtis.
* Robin Big Snake, former professional hockey player, most recently with the Muskegon Lumberjacks during the 2009-10 International Hockey League season.
* Armond Duck Chief, country singer and songwriter.
* Gerald McMaster, artist, curator, and author.
* Adrian Stimson, interdisciplinary artist, 2018 Governor's General award winner in visual and media arts.
* Maggie Black Kettle, storyteller, educator, dancer, actress, community leader

Chief and Council

Ouray Crowfoot, Samuel Crowfoot, Ruben Breaker, Ike Solway, Wade Healy, Kent Ayoungman, Carlin Black Rabbit, Kendall Panther Bone, Leon Crane Bear, Susan Solway, Jenny Goodin, and Tracy McHugh.

Chief and Council Staff

Mariah Little Chief, Sharon Brass, Lynn Calf Robe, Anthony Ola Koleoso, and Allison Duck Chief.

Tribal Administration Executives

Richard Sparvier, Owen Crane Bear, Van Le, Tom Many Heads, and Hossam Yaqoub.

Gallery

Image:Chief Crowfoot.jpg, ''Sahpo Muxika'', also known as Crowfoot, Head Chief of the Siksika, 1885
Image:Curley bear.jpg, Curly Bear, a Siksika chief, 1903
Image:Aatsista-Mahkan-LOC.jpg, Aatsista-Mahkan, circa 1900, by Edward S. Curtis
Image:Gerald mcmaster.jpg, Gerald McMaster, 2009

References

External links

Official Website of the Siksika NationBlackfoot Digital Library

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Blackfoot tribe
First Nations in Alberta