Supporting Siksika Nation: My Commitment to Change

The Siksika Nation holds a rich history and culture that deserves respect and support. Yet, like many Indigenous communities, it faces ongoing challenges that require attention and action. Supporting the Siksika Nation is not just about charity; it is about building meaningful relationships, understanding history, and working together for a better future. This post shares my personal commitment to change and practical ways anyone can contribute to the well-being and growth of the Siksika Nation.

Understanding the Siksika Nation

The Siksika Nation is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, located in southern Alberta, Canada. Their name means "Blackfoot" in their language, and they have a deep connection to the land, traditions, and community values. The Nation has faced many hardships, including the loss of land, cultural suppression, and economic challenges.

Learning about the Siksika Nation’s history is essential to supporting their present and future. This includes acknowledging the impact of residential schools, treaties, and government policies that have affected Indigenous peoples across Canada. Understanding these realities helps build empathy and respect.

Why Support Matters

Supporting the Siksika Nation goes beyond financial aid. It means:

• Respecting cultural practices and traditions

• Listening to community voices and needs

• Promoting education and awareness about Indigenous history and rights

• Encouraging economic development that benefits the community

• Standing against discrimination and injustice

  
  

These actions help create a foundation for lasting change and reconciliation.

My Personal Commitment

I have committed to supporting the Siksika Nation in several ways. Here are some key steps I have taken and encourage others to consider:

1. Educating Myself and Others

Education has always been more than a personal goal for me—it’s a lifelong responsibility. Throughout my career and academic journey, I’ve come to see learning not just as a means of advancement, but as a pathway to empowering others and strengthening our Nation.

As a Membership Operational Coordinator with Siksika Nation, I’ve been privileged to work in areas that require both technical precision and cultural sensitivity—whether it’s registration, records management, or governance. Every process, policy, and conversation is an opportunity to educate and to be educated. I believe that leadership begins with understanding: understanding our systems, our people, and the stories behind every name on a registry.

Pursuing my MBA at Royal Roads University has deepened that belief. It’s challenged me to bridge traditional knowledge with modern management, to view leadership not as control but as service. Each lesson learned in the classroom finds its way back to the community—translated into better systems, more transparent governance, and stronger support for our members.

Educating myself means staying curious, asking the hard questions, and being willing to change. Educating others means sharing that knowledge freely, helping colleagues and community members grow in confidence and capacity. Together, these two forms of education build something lasting—a foundation of understanding and self-determination that honors our past and shapes our future.

2. Supporting Indigenous Businesses and Artists

Supporting Indigenous businesses and artists is more than an act of economic participation—it’s an act of cultural preservation and empowerment. Every product, service, or creative work tells a story of resilience, innovation, and identity. When we invest in Indigenous entrepreneurship, we are investing in the continuation of our stories, languages, and ways of life.

Through my own experiences in business development and community engagement, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when local entrepreneurs and artists are given space to thrive. Their success ripples outward—creating employment, building pride, and inspiring others to follow their own creative and professional paths.

In my work and personal initiatives, I strive to support Indigenous creators not only as customers or collaborators but as partners in building a self-sustaining future. Whether it’s showcasing Indigenous art, hiring Indigenous service providers, or sharing knowledge about business development, every effort contributes to strengthening our collective economy.

By uplifting Indigenous businesses and artists, we are affirming that our communities have the skill, creativity, and vision to define our own future. True reconciliation means supporting Indigenous excellence in all its forms—and ensuring that every success story becomes a shared story of empowerment and progress.

3. Volunteering and Participating in Community Events

Volunteering and participating in community events are powerful ways to stay connected—to our people, our values, and our shared vision for the future. Every time we show up, lend a hand, or take part in local gatherings, we strengthen the spirit of unity that defines who we are as a Nation.

Community involvement isn’t just about giving time; it’s about building relationships and fostering understanding. Whether it’s helping at a youth program, supporting Elders’ gatherings, or contributing to cultural celebrations, each act of service reinforces the bonds that hold our community together.

Through my own participation, I’ve come to appreciate how volunteering creates space for learning and leadership. It reminds us that everyone has something valuable to offer—knowledge, time, or simply presence. These moments of contribution often spark inspiration in others, encouraging more people to get involved and take pride in their community.

When we volunteer, we are not only serving others—we are nurturing our collective well-being. Community events remind us that progress is not achieved alone but through collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to one another. By continuing to give back, we ensure that our community remains strong, connected, and grounded in the values that make us who we are.

4. Advocating for Policy Change

Advocating for policy change is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting impact within our communities. Policies shape how decisions are made, how resources are distributed, and how our rights are recognized. By engaging in advocacy, we help ensure that the voices and experiences of Indigenous people are not only heard but reflected in the systems that affect us every day.

In my work within Siksika Nation, I’ve seen how strong policies can protect our members, strengthen governance, and guide future generations. Whether it’s improving membership processes, enhancing transparency in financial distributions, or aligning community practices with cultural values, effective policy advocacy begins with understanding both the challenges and the opportunities within our governance frameworks.

Advocating for change is not always easy—it requires patience, collaboration, and persistence. It means listening deeply, working across departments, and sometimes challenging the status quo. But it also means standing firm in our responsibility to build a fairer, more inclusive future for our people.

When we advocate for policy change, we are shaping systems that reflect who we are and what we believe in. We are asserting our right to self-determination and ensuring that future generations inherit a Nation built on accountability, equity, and respect.

Practical Ways to Support the Siksika Nation

If you want to make a difference, here are some practical ideas:

• Attend cultural events hosted by the Siksika Nation to learn and show support.

• Promote Indigenous voices by following and sharing content created by Siksika Nation members.

• Encourage schools and workplaces to include Indigenous history and perspectives in their programs.

• Respect the land by learning about traditional territories and supporting environmental stewardship efforts.

  
  

Challenges the Siksika Nation Faces Today

Despite progress, the Siksika Nation still faces significant challenges:

• Economic barriers limit opportunities for many community members.

• Health disparities affect access to quality care and wellness.

• Cultural erosion threatens the survival of language and traditions.

• Social issues such as housing shortages and unemployment remain urgent.

  
  

Supporting the Nation means addressing these challenges with sensitivity and collaboration.

The Role of Allies in Change

Being an ally means more than good intentions. It requires:

• Listening actively to what the community says it needs.

• Avoiding assumptions about Indigenous peoples or their experiences.

• Standing up against racism and discrimination in everyday life.

• Sharing power and resources when possible.

• Committing to long-term relationships rather than one-time actions.

  
  

True support builds trust and respect over time.

How Supporting the Siksika Nation Benefits Everyone

When the Siksika Nation thrives, the benefits extend beyond its borders. Strong Indigenous communities contribute to cultural diversity, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Supporting the Nation helps build a more inclusive and fair society for all Canadians.

Moving Forward Together

Supporting the Siksika Nation is a journey that requires ongoing effort and commitment. It starts with education and grows through action and partnership. By working together, we can help create a future where the Siksika Nation’s culture, rights, and opportunities are fully respected and celebrated.

I invite you to join me in this commitment. Learn, listen, support, and advocate. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.