Message from Treasury Board Chair
This year, we prioritized several critical areas of community support and infrastructure. We enhanced our community care initiatives, including support for Elders, for those living with disabilities, and emergency assistance for members in need. Significant investments were made in essential services such as housing renovations, and public safety systems. We also maintained our commitment to education through student support programs and training initiatives.
Dear Members of Siksika Nation,
I am pleased to present a Financial Update Report for the Siksika Nation Treasury Board. This report reflects our ongoing commitment to transparent financial management and prudent stewardship of Siksika Nation’s resources in accordance with Siksika Nation’s Financial Administrative Law.
Throughout the year, the Treasury Board has maintained rigorous oversight of our Nation’s financial operations, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to serve our community’s diverse needs. We have focused on strengthening our fiscal governance while responding to the evolving needs of our members, from our respected Elders to our promising students.
Operational excellence remained a key focus, with careful attention paid to staffing, facility management, and technological infrastructure. The work to implement robust systems for financial tracking and reporting continues, ensuring that our investments align with our community’s priorities, and comply with our governance framework. In this regard, the Treasury Board’s emphasis on fiscal discipline has allowed us to address immediate needs while maintaining the long-term financial health and sustainability of our Nation.
We continue to uphold our responsibility to ensure that financial decisions are made with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of all Siksika Nation members. This report details how we’ve managed these responsibilities, and I encourage all members to review this report and engage with us in our ongoing efforts to strengthen Siksika Nation’s financial foundation for current and future generations.
Respectfully,
Owen Crane Bear
Miistapainihki (Faraway Singer) Councillor Owen Crane Bear, Chair, Siksika Nation Treasury Board
Board of Directors
Councillor Owen Crane Bear | Miistapainihki (Faraway Singer) - Chair
Owen Crane Bear was first elected as a Member of Ohkinniinaa ki Ninaaks for the Siksika Nation in December 2022. Born and raised in Blackfoot Country, Owen splits his time between Calgary and Siksika. His core focus on financial stewardship is targeted to improve the quality of life for all Siksika Nation members. Owen is also part of the Funding Arrangement Team, tasked with the development and negotiation of more accurate and equitable funding agreements with Indigenous Services Canada. Additionally, the land acquisition strategic plan development and implementation is targeted for the current term, of which Owen is a contributing member.
Debbie Smith | Aapastakii (Bridge Woman) - Director
Debbie Smith was born and raised on Siksika Nation, and is an accomplished professional with more than seven years’ experience with Siksika Nation’s Treasury Board. Drawing from extensive experience in First Nations Health and Governance, she brings valuable expertise to her role on the Treasury Board. Her commitment to accountability drives her advocacy for strategic fiscal planning and resource allocation, ensuring optimal service delivery to communities. With a strong focus on responsible financial management, Debbie works to align funding decisions with meaningful outcomes for the people served.
Shaylen Smith | Aanatsinaamaayia’ki - Director
Serving as a Community Representative on the Treasury Board since May 2023, Shaylen Smith brings extensive experience in Indigenous community engagement and public service. Shaylen’s career began in education, advocacy, and communications, working with Indigenous communities throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and Washington State. For the past eight years, she has contributed valuable expertise to the federal government, specializing in strategic communications and Crown-Indigenous consultation. Shaylen’s approach to Treasury Board service emphasizes active listening and ensuring that diverse community perspectives inform financial recommendations and decision-making processes.
Kenneth Many Heads | Sootaiskii - Director
Born and raised on Siksika Nation, Kenneth’s finance experience brings valuable oversight and decisive leadership to the Treasury Board, on which he has served since 2021. Drawing from his background as a small business owner and established community connections, he contributes unique insights to decision-making processes. Kenneth’s dedication to accountability and fairness, combined with his entrepreneurial perspective, strengthens the Board’s ability to make balanced and responsible financial decisions.
Jason Doore | Pitaotokan (Eagle Head) - Director
Jason Doore is a member of the Siksika Nation, married to Louise Doore and together they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Jason served as a Minor Chief with Siksika Nation Council for 19 years, and is the proud owner of the Buffalo Trail tipi. Jason brings more three decades of dedicated community service, having spent 33 years mentoring and teaching youth through sports programs, a commitment he continues to pursue with passion. Currently serving as the Siksika Board of Education Transportation Supervisor, he oversees the Nation’s school bus fleet operations. His extensive experience in governmental affairs at all levels, coupled with comprehensive knowledge of the Nation’s business relationships and historical developments, adds valuable perspective to his role. This combination of community involvement, operational management, and deep understanding of Nation affairs enables him to contribute meaningful insights to strategic decisions.
Councillor Tracy McHugh | Ksistsikomia’ki (Thunder Woman) - Director
Tracy McHugh is currently serving her second term as Councillor for Siksika Nation. She is the daughter of Kathleen McHugh and the granddaughter of the late Myrtle Scout (Kainai), and the late Clarence Sr. and Victoria McHugh. Tracy’s upbringing in Siksika Nation, combined with her education and extensive background in politics and international relations, ensures she remains at the forefront of governance, policy development, disability awareness, and various community initiatives. She serves on numerous committees and boards within Siksika Nation’s departments and organizations. Tracy is dedicated to building a sustainable community and continues to collaborate with others from Siksika and beyond to achieve this goal. Her commitment to enhancing community services and her proactive approach to addressing local issues underscore her dedication to fostering a resilient and inclusive environment for all community members.
STAFF
Richard Sparvier Kaah’ka’nooh’ki’toopi (Early Morning Rider) Tribal Manager
Leah Bear Chief Iitsspainihkia’ki
Administrative Specialist to CFO & Siksika Treasury Board
Past Board Members from Term Covered in Financial Report
Reynold Medicine Traveller
Councillor Reuben Breaker
Debbie Smith - This term was Debbie’s last with the Siksika Treasury Board. Special thanks to Debbie for serving three terms!
Van Le Chief Financial Officer
The Siksika Treasury Board is responsible for financial oversight, budgetary management, and fiscal policy. The primary purpose of a Treasury Board is to ensure prudent and effective compliance with the Siksika Nation Financial Administration Law. The Treasury Board plays a crucial role in promoting fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in the management of financial resources.
About Siksika Treasury Board
Siksika Nation Financial Administration Law is the legal framework that governs the management and administration of financial resources within Siksika Nation administration departments and corporate entities. It encompasses a set of rules, regulations, and procedures that dictate how public funds are collected, allocated, spent, and accounted for. The main objective of the Siksika Nation Financial Administration Law is to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of public funds.
Siksika Trust
In 2002, the $73.5 million Siksika Acreage Discrepancy Claim Settlement Agreement was signed between Canada and Siksika Nation.
The Settlement Agreement provided compensation for the unlawful surrender of 12,522 acres of Siksika Reserve lands in 1910. The Siksika Trust was established to manage funds from this settlement.
The settlement, correcting what was diplomatically called a historical "mistake," provided Siksika with compensation for damages and losses resulting from a flawed land surrender.
Siksika Heritage Trust
Siksika reached a $53.4 million settlement with Canada over the Bassano Dam in 2010, leading to the establishment of the Siksika Heritage Trust.
In 1910, Canada transferred 2,335.8 acres of Siksika reserve land to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for the Bassano Dam. The land was later moved to the Eastern Irrigation District in 1935. In 1980, federal officials acknowledged the lack of historical proof that CPR had acquired rights to the land before starting construction on the Bassano Dam.
Ma’tapiiks Trust
Siksika Nation established the Ma’tapiiks Trust to receive the settlement funds from the 2021 Global Settlement Agreement with Canada. The trust is administered by the Royal Trust Corporation of Canada for the benefit of Siksika Nation. The Nation can also deposit other funds into the Trust in the future. For more on the Ma’tapiiks Trust, see below (page 12).
The Trust annually pays net income to the Nation per the Revenue Account Bylaw. Thirty percent (30%) of the Annual Income is reinvested, while the remaining net income is allocated as follows:
• 50% to the Siksika Community Account
• 35% to the Siksika Economic Development Account.
• 15% to the Siksika Claims Account
The Trust, governed by the Trust Agreement, aims to fulfill specific Siksika objectives by investing Trust Property and generating a sustainable income for the long-term benefit of the Siksika Nation. A one-time per capita distribution occurred in 2010, and permitted uses of the Trust Property include authorized investments, annual payments, loan payments, loan guarantees, and approved expenses.
Treasury Board Budget Process:
Develop Department & Entity Service Plans & Budgets
Siksika Nation Department & Entities Presentations
Review & Make Recommendations to Council for Budget Options
Submit Approved Budgets based upon Treasury Board Recommendations
Approval of Fiscal Year Budget
2023/24 & 2024/25 Revenues:
Revenue forecasting for Siksika Nation’s Operations and Capital Projects includes two financial streams that drive sustainability and growth potential.
Operational revenue projections reflect our core business activities, including ongoing service delivery, maintenance contracts, and recurring income from established business lines.
Capital Projects revenue forecasts capture anticipated income from major infrastructure investments, development initiatives, and strategic expansion efforts that extend beyond routine operations. Together, these forecasted revenues provide a look at our expected financial performance, which helps inform decision-making about resource allocation, investments, and overall financial strategy.
* The Ma’tapiiks Trust Land and Distribution Funds are allocated specifically for the purposes of land purchasing and community distribution, and are therefore treated uniquely within Siksika’s
Ma’tapiiks Trust:
Siksika Nation established the Ma’tapiiks Trust to receive the settlement funds from the 2021 Global Settlement Agreement with Canada. The trust is administered by the Royal Trust Corporation of Canada for the benefit of Siksika Nation. The Nation can also deposit other funds into the Trust in the future.
The rules for the administration of the Trust are set out in the Ma’tapiiks Trust Agreement and ensures settlement money is protected, tax-free and used for the benefit of our people today, and for our future generations.
forecasted revenue. Any revenue derived from these sources is also allocated specifically for its intended purposes.
The funding streams within the Ma’tapiiks Trust include:
The Community Trust framework provides Nation members with more involvement in the trust & provides more flexibility as to how the Trust dollars are allocated.
GLOBAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
$1,293,519,469 deposited 2022-05-16
MA’TAPIIKS TRUST
$981,439,464 allocated 2022-09-15 $1,194,777 market value 2024-12-31
1st-3RD per-capita distributionS
To Siksika Nation & Minors’ Fund
Starting Investment
Total growth on investment
$262.9M
Total payments to Siksika Nation
$74.9M
Total distributions to members (includes minors/trust)
$321.3M
Minors account
$312,080,000 PAYMENT -$19,315,321
In accordance with the Trust Agreement, three initial per-capita distributions were provided to Siksika Nation members. The remaining funds from Siksika’s Global Settlement Agreement were placed in trust and divided into four distinct funds. Each fund has demonstrated positive investment growth since inception, enabling ongoing support for community projects and programs, as well as additional distributions. A portion of the distribution fund has been specifically allocated to the minors account, ensuring future benefits for younger community members.
TRANSFERRED AS PART OF PER CAPITA DISTRIBUTIONS
$53,772,900
GROWTH $20,489,126
Ma’tapiiks Trust - Roles & Responsibilities:
Trustees:
The Trustees are responsible for the management of Trust assets, including custody, allocation, and distribution of funds to Members. Trustees ensure tax efficiency and maintain detailed financial records through regular audits and timely tax filings. They oversee the payment of Authorized Expenses, provide performance reporting, and collaborate with partners on approved loans.
Ohkinniinaa ki Niinaaks (Chief & Council):
Ohkinniinaa ki Niinaaks holds key oversight responsibilities for financial strategy and investment governance, including confirming the Annual Allocation Plan (prepared by Treasury Board and with Community consultation), developing the Land Acquisition Strategy, and approving documentation for permitted Trust Distributions. They also maintain full authority over investment management, including the power to select or terminate
Investment Managers and approve the Investment Policy that guides all investment decisions.
Siksika Community Members:
Provide input through consultation on the Annual Allocation Plan (once every three years) and Land Acquisition Strategy.
Investment Managers:
The Investment Manager(s) are responsible for strategically investing Trust Property in accordance with the Investment Policy and Investment Management Agreement, making proactive decisions while carefully managing both opportunities and risks. They report on investment performance, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with Investment Policy parameters and risk constraints.
Siksika Treasury Board:
Develops Annual Allocation Plan for community purposes in consultation with community members.
Ma’tapiiks Trust Survey - What We Heard:
A comprehensive community survey was conducted to understand Siksika Nation members’ priorities regarding fiscal spending across various sectors. The results, from more than 600 respondents, provide clear insights into where the community believes resources should be directed. The survey results highlighted several key areas requiring immediate attention, including
housing, education and training, and health and wellness. In response to these findings, the Treasury Board has strategically allocated funding to address these identified needs. It’s important for the Treasury Board to hear from Siksika Nation members ongoing, as it allows support for the evolving needs of the community through responsive financial management.
Ma'tapiiks Trust
Survey HIGHLIGHTS:
Please rank what is important to you as a Siksika Nation member?
Ma’tapiiks Trust Survey
Spending – Breakdown:
Infrastructure/Public Works = $16,976,281
• Sun Park Plaza = $7,243,387
• Recovery Centre = $1,500,000
• Internet Project = $3,399,561
• Capital Line of Credit = $3,409,940
• Engineering Services = $630,000
• Operational Health & Safety = $131,493
• Infrastructure Administration = $661,900
Housing = $11,230,162
• Siksika Nation Residential = $6,230,161
• 3D Printing Project = $2,604,023
• Additional Housing Repairs = $2,395,978
• Nation Health Supplies = $52,353
• Animal Control = $256,260
• Emergency Management = $225,000
• Peace Officer Program = $620,000
• Public Safety Building = $85,400
• Security Services = $2,500,000
• Siksika Support Centre = $153,345
• Siksika Post Office = $150,000
• Nation Staff Health & Wellness = $240,422
• Worker’s Compensation Board = $96,650
Culture = $1,925,545
Education/Training = $6,006,909
• Information Technologies Staff & Community Training = $1,312,870
• Employee Services = $137,814
• Education Grades K-12 = $370,000
• Student Cost of Living = $4,086,225
• Old Sun Community College = $100,000 Health, Wellness & Public Safety = $4,379,430
• Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park = $1,905,545
• Communications = $20,000 Recreation = $797,230
• Disabilities Services Support = $287,000
• Recreation Facilities = $510,230
Funeral Expenses = $751,785
• Membership Support for Funerals = $751,785 Social Programs = $637,000
• Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing (SORAH) = $487,000
• Siksika Small Business Grant = $150,000 Legal = $366,016
• Aiskapimohkiiks = $116,016
• Administration Legal Counsel & Supports = $250,000
Ma’tapiiks Trust Survey:
What We Heard Breakdown
Q3: If you answered housing, please rate the order of importance to you.
Overall, housing emerged as a critical focus area, with Siksika Nation members showing strongest support for renovation initiatives. The Home Ownership Program garnered the second-highest level of support, slightly outpacing new housing
construction projects. This suggests a community preference for maintaining and improving existing housing stock while creating pathways to homeownership.
Q4: If you answered education/training, please rate the order of importance to you.
In education, respondents demonstrated strong support across all levels, with K-12 education receiving the highest priority at 41% of responses. Post-secondary education followed closely at 39%,
while trades education earned 20% of top priority votes. This distribution indicates a balanced view of educational needs, with slightly more emphasis on foundational education.
Q5: If you answered public works, please rate the order of importance to you.
Public Works priorities were decisively led by water infrastructure, with 55% of respondents ranking it as their top concern. Road infrastructure received 38% of top priority votes, while solid waste
management was ranked as the highest priority by 7% of respondents. The strong emphasis on water infrastructure highlights the community’s recognition of this essential service.
Q6: If you answered recreation, please rate the order of importance to you.
Q7: If you answered social programs, please rate the order of importance to you.
Q8: If you answered health and wellness, please rate the order of importance to you.
Health and Wellness priorities showed a clear hierarchy among the six identified areas. Medical care dominated with 47% of top priority selections, followed by mental health services at 23% and addiction services at 18%. Dental care, fitness and
nutrition, and wellness programs each received 4% of top priority votes, suggesting these are viewed as important but secondary to primary healthcare concerns.
Q9: If you answered culture, please rate the order of importance to you.
Cultural priorities revealed strong support for traditional practices, with ceremonies receiving top ranking from 46% of respondents. Traditional drumming and dancing followed at 31%, while arts and crafts received 14% and hunting activities 9%
of top priority selections. This distribution emphasizes the community’s strong connection to ceremonial practices while maintaining support for diverse cultural activities.
Q10: If you answered environment, please rate the order of importance to you.
In other key areas, several sectors showed clear majority preferences. Elder Services dominated the Social Programs category with 52% selecting it as their top priority. In the area of Recreation, our Facilities received strong support with 47% of respondents ranking it first in its category, while
Water Protection led Environmental concerns with 51% of first-choice selections. Language preservation, funeral expenses, and legal services were evaluated as standalone categories, each receiving significant community support.
Q11: What type of land use would you like to see Siksika acquire?
Q12: What area of Siksika Nation would additional services be most accessible to you?
Q2: Please let us know if there was an area or initiative that is important to you that we may have missed.
COMMUNITY CENTRES leashes collars free leashes opportunities neuter clinics HIGH SCHOOL URBAN RESERVE SPAY NEUTER SAFETY FREE ACROSS RESERVE PARK CATS ROAM FREE NATION NATION STRAY DOGS
THINK
EDUCATION
JOBS
PROGRAM SERVICES UNDERLOOKED BIGGER SPORTSPLEX
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PEOPLE
MEMBERS FUNDING SUPPORT COMMUNITY FACILITY HOUSING
SIKSIKA
PROGRAMS YOUTH ELDERS
RESERVE
NATION MEMBERS
DEMONSTRATE PROMPTNESS
HEALTH
Q13: If you have not done so already, please let us know if there was an area or initiative that is important to you that we may have missed.
art school disability breakfast program animal services water training addiction spay neuter clinics free leashes collars BIGGER SPORTSPLEX east side community investing disabilities recycling nation create people language recreation support services home housing
climate change mitigation
2024/25 Approved Budget:
The following visualizations provide a detailed breakdown of our approved fiscal year budget from two distinct perspectives: the “Breakdown by Entity/Project” chart illustrates how resources are distributed across our key operational divisions, reflecting our strategic priorities and service
Amended Breakdown by Entity/Project
delivery commitments. The “Breakdown by Object” chart presents our budget categorized by expense type, including personnel costs, operating expenses, contractual services, etc. providing transparency into how funds are allocated across different spending categories.
Tribal Admin Total
Recovery Centre
Siksika Internet Project
Sunpark Purchase
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park (BCHP)
Education
Old Sun Community College (OSCC
Child & Family Services
Community Services
Health Services
Amended BUDGET
Supplies,
Purchases & Leases Insurance Travel
Visit us Online
To learn more about the Treasury Board’s activities, responsibilities, and financial policies, please visit our official webpage. Here, you can find reports, contact information, and ways to share your ideas about our Nation’s finances.
Do You Have a Project That Needs Funding?
While the Treasury Board does not directly provide funding support for member requests, we want to ensure you are aware of several valuable community resources that may be able to assist you. Please note that each of these resources maintains specific eligibility criteria, and we encourage you to reach out to the appropriate contact person who can provide detailed information about qualification requirements and guide you through the application process for your specific needs.
Small Business Grants:
For entrepreneurs looking to start up, expand, or acquire a small business, small business grants are available through Siksika Nation Economic Development (https://siksikanation. com/economic-development/). Here, the Community & Economic Development team can support interested applicants through the application process and eligibility requirements.
Jamie Spring Chief
Emergency Relief & Band Expenses:
For Siksika Nation members who are experiencing financial hardship and require assistance with food bank access, band expenses, or emergency support, the Siksika Support Centre is available to help connect you with these essential services. Contact: Linda Little Chief
Sporting Donations & Supports:
For those interested in participating in sporting and recreational activities, Siksika Parks & Recreation can provide information about available programs and support options.
Richard Running Rabbit
Siksika Nation's full financial audit is available for viewing by community members upon request. Please contact the Treasury Board to inquire.
(Note 19)
