Building a Siksika RESP Program: Investing in Our Children’s Future

As Siksika Nation continues to plan for long-term prosperity, one of the most powerful investments we can make is in our children. Education is the foundation of self-determination, and ensuring that every Siksika child has the resources to pursue higher learning is a responsibility we can proudly embrace.

Starting in 2026, I propose that every newborn registered as a Siksika Nation member receive a $500 Siksika Education Savings Certificate. This would serve as seed funding for a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) opened at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Siksika Branch, with the child’s parents or guardians listed as the subscribers. The funds would remain in trust until the child turns 18, when they could use the savings to support their post-secondary education or training.

How the Program Would Work

1. Funding Source

   • The $500 could be funded through Siksika’s own-source revenues, interest generated from past settlements, or a small allocation from the Off-Reserve Opportunities Fund.

   • Based on approximately 80–100 births each year, the annual program cost would range between $40,000 and $50,000.

2. Partnership with BMO

   • Through a partnership with the BMO Siksika Branch, new parents would receive a pre-filled RESP package when completing newborn registration with the Membership Department.

   • The Nation could negotiate low- or zero-fee group accounts and coordinate with RBC Trust for transparent reporting.

3. Government Matching Programs

   • By registering the RESP, families could access federal grants that multiply the Nation’s contribution:

     • Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG): adds 20% on the first $2,500 contributed annually.

     • Canada Learning Bond (CLB): provides up to $2,000 for lower-income families, even if no additional contributions are made.

   • This means Siksika’s initial $500 could grow automatically to $600–$1,000, without any added cost to the Nation.

Example Projection

Scenario 1 – Nation’s $500 Only

If Siksika contributes $500 at birth, and the RESP earns an average 5% annual return, plus the 20% CESG match, the total at age 18 would grow to roughly $1,300–$1,500, with no further contributions.

Scenario 2 – Parents Contribute $100 per Month

If parents contribute $100 per month, and the account earns 5% annually with a 20% CESG match (up to $500/year):

• Annual parent contributions: $1,200

• Annual federal CESG match: $240

• Total invested each year: $1,440

• Over 18 years: $25,920 contributed, plus grants and investment growth.

By age 18, the RESP could grow to approximately $35,000–$40,000, depending on market performance—enough to cover a two-year college diploma or a major portion of a university degree.

Scenario 3 – Shared Investment Model

If Siksika contributes the initial $500, parents invest $100 per month, and the Nation provides an annual $100 top-up as long as the account remains active, the total could reach $42,000–$45,000 by age 18.

This model represents a true partnership between Nation and family—both investing in the next generation’s success.

Why It Matters

1. Promotes Early Financial LiteracyFamilies learn about savings, interest, and education planning from the very beginning of their child’s life.

2. Encourages Lifelong LearningEvery child starts their journey with a tangible connection to higher education and personal growth.

3. Creates Equality and InclusionRegardless of income or residence, every Siksika child receives the same foundation for opportunity.

4. Strengthens Relationships with Financial PartnersCollaborations with BMO and federal programs can expand into community workshops on saving, budgeting, and credit management.

5. Builds Long-Term Wealth and PrideSmall contributions today create life-changing opportunities tomorrow.

A Message to Future Generations

“Every Siksika child deserves to dream, to learn, and to achieve — and we, as a Nation, will invest in that dream from the moment they are born.”

Through the Siksika RESP Program, we can transform financial planning into a form of cultural continuity — showing our children that their Nation believes in them, invests in them, and stands with them as they build the future of Siksika.