Siksika Health Services and The City of Calgary Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Reconciliation, Community Wellbeing, and Inclusive Sport & Recreation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2026
Siksika Nation, AB — Siksika Health Services and The City of Calgary, Recreation & Social Programs 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.
Respected community Elders, members, and signatories exchanged words of mutual commitment, and stories of the significance of sport, recreation, and leisure. Siksika Nation has a long history of athleticism since time immemorial, including famed Blackfoot runner known as “Deerfoot”, namesake of many Alberta landmarks, to its Alberta Indigenous Games athletes and teams who were recently awarded 2025 Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG) Division 3 Community Champion. Siksika Health Services is also working with partners including the University of Calgary to develop a Siksika Sports Hall of Fame, scheduled to open in September 2027.
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 honouring 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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For more information contact:
Jennifer Kohlhammer,
Siksika Health Communications
