City and First Nation sign non-binding pact

Summary#

Calgary City Council approved a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding on Communication and Cooperation with Bearspaw First Nation on July 28, 2026, as part of the consent agenda. Council directed City staff to begin putting it into effect and asked the Mayor to sign it at a future joint event. City staff say its goal is to support an ongoing working relationship and collaboration on shared interests.

  • The agreement formalizes how the City and Bearspaw First Nation will communicate and cooperate; it does not create legally binding commitments.
  • A Technical Committee, with representatives from both partners, is to oversee implementation. It may set up working tables on specific areas of mutual interest.
  • City staff are to begin implementation. The report says the first Technical Committee meeting will plan that work and confirm areas of mutual interest.
  • Council’s approval does not mean the agreement has been signed. The City and Bearspaw First Nation were discussing a possible signing in fall 2026, subject to approval by both councils.

What it means for you#

  • Bearspaw First Nation and City staff: The decision creates a formal structure for communication and joint work. The agreement is non-binding, and the materials do not describe specific services or outcomes that either partner must deliver.
  • Calgary residents and businesses: The decision does not directly change your rights, fees, services, or obligations. Any effects would depend on work the partners later agree to pursue.
  • Other local Indigenous Nations: The City says it remains willing to meet with Nations that request an MOU. This decision does not approve an agreement with another Nation.

Money#

The City says the work is being carried out within existing approved budgets, but gives no cost estimate for implementing this agreement.

  • Council approved funding in 2025 to formalize the City’s Indigenous Government Relations team.
  • City staff say they are monitoring staffing capacity and other department resources. If more resources are needed, staff will bring a future budget request.

What is unclear#

  • The MOU and its Terms of Reference are listed as attachments, but their full text is not included in the available material. Specific commitments, meeting schedules, and how progress will be reported cannot be verified here.
  • The agreement does not set out which issues the partners will work on. The Technical Committee is to confirm areas of mutual interest.
  • It is unclear what additional staff time or funding implementation will require.
  • The report says the Technical Committee’s terms can be updated by City staff through its co-chairs, but the available material does not explain what changes require approval from Bearspaw First Nation.

Case for#

  • City staff say a formal, ongoing structure can support regular communication and help the partners work together on shared priorities.
  • The committee and possible working tables provide a way to bring together officials and subject-matter experts to exchange information and develop joint work.
  • City staff say this could support coordination on environmental matters, including land use and regional sustainability, and create opportunities for economic partnerships. These are possible benefits, not guaranteed results.

Case against#

  • The agreement is non-binding, so it does not guarantee that either partner will carry out specific projects or achieve particular outcomes.
  • The decision starts implementation without specifying the work areas, timetable, or measurable results in the available material.
  • City staff say extra resources may be needed later. The decision does not provide a cost estimate or say how any future budget request would be funded.

Votes

Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, item 7.2 (Memorandum of Understanding - Bearspaw First Nation and The City of Calgary, IGA2026-0641): That with respect to Report IGA2026-0641, the following be approved: That the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee recommend that Council: - Approve the Memorandum of Understanding on Communication and Cooperation with Bearspaw First Nation and direct Administration to begin implementation. - Request the Mayor sign the agreement at a future joint signing event with Bearspaw First Nation.

For (100%)

Calgary City Council, item 7.11 (Memorandum of Understanding – Bearspaw First Nation and The City of Calgary, IGA2026-0641): That the Consent Agenda be adopted as follows: 7.11 Memorandum of Understanding – Bearspaw First Nation and The City of Calgary, IGA2026-0641

For (100%)