Mandatory Criteria

The criterion: Provide evidence you have determined in which Indigenous traditional territory(ies) your municipality occurs and that you are encouraging the participation and perspective of the local Indigenous community in the initiative.

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Calgary's fulfillment of this criteria: We honour and acknowledge the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Kainai-Blood Tribe, Siksika, Peigan-Piikani and Aamskapi Pikuni, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. 

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It was apparent early on that that inclusion and diversity were sincere priorities common with each member of Bird Friendly Calgary. Outreach to date includes: Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council, Blood Tribe Land Management, Land Needs Guardians, Tsuut'ina First Nation and Îyâxe Nakoda First Nation. We are grateful for representation of Blood Tribe Land Management and Siksika members on our team. Further invitations and collaboration will be sought for a more diverse representation, especially as we learn of more contacts who have interest in birds, wildlife and ecology. We begin each meeting with a Land Acknowledgment. We also successfully obtained funding (from Nature Canada) and hosted two Indigenous focused learning events. We carry out these important efforts not because they are a requirement on this application, but because of the values held by the team itself.