Siksika Health Services and The City of Calgary signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 17th, 2026, formalizing a long-term partnership rooted in reconciliation, mutual respect and shared goals for child, youth and community wellbeing through sport, recreation and holistic health. Central to the agreement is a shared commitment to addressing racism and stereotypes, advancing Truth and Reconciliation and promoting Blackfoot culture, language, history and ways of knowing.
While the signing marks an important milestone, signatories emphasized that relationships and action hold greater meaning than the document itself. The agreement reflects a deeper commitment rooted in relationships, humility and shared responsibility, guided by shared values, respect for Siksika protocols and a holistic vision of community wellbeing.
The partnership aims to demonstrate how sport and recreation can be powerful pathways for relationship-building, collaboration, healing and community resilience, both on and off the Nation, including for Siksika members living in Calgary.
“We at Siksika Health Services are really looking at what it takes to build holistic health programs and services that include mental, physical, spiritual health, grounded in Siksika culture. Sports and recreation are a huge part of this. We support individuals on the Nation, off the Nation, including our members in Calgary. That’ll be a driver of what we’re here to do today with signing this MOU.”
~ Councillor Ike Solway – Board Chair, Siksika Health Services
“From a cultural perspective, this means far more than putting pen to paper. History has shown us that signatures alone do not guarantee impact; many peoples and organizations have signed agreements before, and continue to struggle with honoring the commitments within them. So as we come together today, we do so with our whole hearts. This is not just a formality; it is a genuine, lasting commitment to this partnership.”
~ Angie Sarsons – Chief Executive Officer, Siksika Health Services
“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. It’s really exciting to be partnering with Siksika Health, an organization that shares the values of a holistic approach to individual and community wellbeing.”
~ Jarret Hoebers – Manager, Recreation Service Delivery, City of Calgary
“This agreement will have a meaningful impact on our employees by creating opportunities to share operational knowledge and experience that will support staff development on both sides. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we can enhance training in areas such as facility maintenance, and program and fitness delivery. This will help build a highly trained workforce and improve the overall services to our members.”
~ Richard Running Rabbit – Recreation Manager, Siksika Health Services
Following the signing, the agreement was honoured with a Blackfoot ceremony, reflecting the cultural foundations that guide Siksika engagements and partnerships.
“In our Blackfoot ways, we have much to offer to strengthen partnerships like this. That’s what we’re doing after the event here, with the ceremony we’re going to share. This will sanctify the agreement in our way.”
~ Siksika Knowledge Keeper, Kent Ayoungman
This partnership is intended to serve as a model for other Indigenous communities and public sport and recreation organizations, demonstrating how collaboration rooted in respect, culture and action can help build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
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