2026 Blackfoot Confederacy Justice Symposium

Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium
“INNAIHTSIIYI” – Our Sacred Treaties

Dates: April 21–22, 2026
Location: Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

The Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium brings together leadership, Elders, justice professionals, community representatives, and youth from across the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy to discuss justice systems through the framework of Blackfoot law, Treaty responsibilities, and community-based approaches to justice.

The 2026 symposium theme, “INNAIHTSIIYI – Our Sacred Treaties,” focuses on the responsibilities, obligations, and relationships established through Treaty agreements and how those commitments continue to influence justice governance, community safety, and legal systems affecting Blackfoot people today.

The two-day gathering will feature presentations from Blackfoot leadership, Elders panels, legal professionals, justice practitioners, and representatives from community justice programs across the Confederacy. Discussions will address Treaty perspectives on justice, Indigenous participation in the legal profession, community-led justice initiatives, policing governance, victim services, and federal corrections processes.

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in networking and dialogue with justice leaders and community representatives from across the region.

An evening banquet and youth showcase will be held on the first day of the symposium, highlighting and recognizing Blackfoot youth through a cultural program and mini powwow.

Registration for the Blackfoot Confederacy Third Annual Justice Symposium is $150.00 per participant.

All participants must register through the Eventbrite registration link.

Registration Deadline: April 10, 2026.

Registration includes:

• Participation in all symposium sessions
• Breakfast and lunch on both days
• Evening banquet and youth showcase on Day One
• Opportunities to connect with Blackfoot leadership, legal professionals, and justice practitioners

Participants who are unable to attend must submit cancellation notice prior to April 10, 2026.

Registrations that have been paid but cancelled after the registration deadline will not be eligible for refund and will be considered forfeited. This policy ensures accurate meal counts, seating arrangements, and event planning commitments with the venue.

• Opening remarks from leadership representing the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy
• Elders panel featuring respected knowledge holders sharing perspectives on Treaty responsibilities and justice
• Keynote address by Karen Crowshoe of the Alberta Court of Justice
• Panel discussion examining the Alberta Sovereignty Initiative
• Community justice presentations from each of the four Blackfoot Nations
• Panel featuring Blackfoot lawyers discussing pathways and careers in law
• Presentations from victim services organizations and justice governance bodies
• Youth showcase and cultural program during the evening banquet

The symposium begins with breakfast and registration followed by an opening prayer and formal call to order. Opening remarks will be delivered by leadership representing the four Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including Chiefs and executive leadership.

A Blackfoot Confederacy Elders panel will follow, featuring Leonard Weasel Traveler, Herman Yellow Old Woman, John Murray, and Wilton Goodstriker. The panel will provide perspectives on Blackfoot law, Treaty relationships, and community responsibilities.

The morning keynote address will be delivered by Justice Karen Crowshoe of the Alberta Court of Justice.

Afternoon sessions include a discussion on the Alberta Sovereignty Initiative facilitated by Eugene Creighton KC with participation from Paul Reid, JD of Walsh LLP. Community justice presentations will also be delivered by representatives from Blood Tribe and Piikani Nation.

A panel discussion titled “A Career in Law” will feature Blackfoot lawyers Eugene Creighton KC, Darnell Tailfeathers JD, Andrea Yellowhorn JD, and Dustin Fox JD, IJD, discussing professional pathways within the legal field.

The first day concludes with closing remarks and door prize draws.

An evening banquet will take place in the main ballroom beginning at 5:30 pm. The banquet includes a grand entry and opening prayer by Wilton Goodstriker, buffet dinner service, and a youth showcase honouring young people through a mini powwow.

The second day begins with breakfast followed by opening prayer and recap of the previous day’s discussions.

Morning sessions will include a community justice presentation from Siksika Nation and a panel discussion featuring representatives from victim services organizations including the Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society and Blood Tribe Victim Services.

A presentation will also be delivered by Teddy Many Wounds, Chairman of the First Nations Police Governance Council, addressing governance frameworks for First Nations policing.

Additional sessions include a community justice presentation from Amskapi Piikani Nation and a Blackfoot Confederacy consultation panel featuring representatives from Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani.

The afternoon will include a presentation on Section 84 processes within Correctional Service Canada followed by participant evaluation forms, questions, and open discussion.

The symposium concludes with final remarks and a closing door prize draw.

Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Note:
The symposium agenda is subject to change. Adjustments to session times, speakers, or presentations may occur as required.

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