Siksika Health Services signs MoU with City of Calgary regarding future of sports and recreation

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Health Services is continuing to develop their relationship with the City of Calgary with the latest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, April 17.

This latest partnership focuses on the wellbeing of children, youth, and community through sport, recreation, and holistic health.

“Calgary Recreation and social programs are looking for … us to share our ways, our culture, using our knowledge keepers and to have that in the city, to provide that in the city,” said Richard Running Rabbit, recreation manager for Siksika Health Services. “It is a good way to start things off, and it was really well received from the staff who attended. Everyone was very pleased with the outcome.”

Running Rabbit explained discussions regarding the MoU began approximately two years ago. The aim of the partnership is to demonstrate how sport and recreation can be avenues for relationship building, collaboration and healing, both on and off Siksika Nation.

The partnership intends to serve as a model for other Indigenous communities and public sport and recreation organizations to come together and create healthier communities.

“I think the impact is for our community members that will see staff who are well trained and also to the standards that they are in the city, and for our counterparts there, they (will) also have a greater understanding of who we are and our ways and the land that provides for us around here,” said Running Rabbit. “I think it is something … there is a more concerted effort to understand these things as we move forward with everything that is happening. We need to slow down and understand more of our traditional ways.”

Community Elders, members, and signatories exchanged words of mutual commitment, and stories of the significance of sport, recreation, and leisure. The April 17 signing was followed by a ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

As part of the agreement, an emphasis has been placed on sharing a commitment to address racism and stereotypes, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, and promoting Blackfoot culture, language, history, and ways of knowing.

“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,” said Coun. Ike Solway, board chair of Siksika Health Services. “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.” 

Running Rabbit explained now that the agreement has been signed, Siksika Health Services will be working with the City of Calgary to see more Siksika-based influence on sport and recreation facilities, develop training for staff from both entities, and create new inclusive programs.

Siksika Health Services is also reported to be working with partners including the University of Calgary to develop a Siksika Sports Hall of Fame, scheduled to open in September 2027.