By Tyrone Sitting Eagle
Siksika Public Works is collaborating with Arcadis on a pilot project aimed at upgrading gravesites across Siksika Nation. Many of these sites are currently over capacity, and this initiative seeks to restore and maintain them with the dignity they deserve. The project will begin with Crowfoot Cemetery, one of the oldest and most historically significant cemeteries on the Nation. This work is a direct response to community feedback, as a recent survey identified gravesite care as one of the top priorities for Siksika Nation members.
On May 13th, Siksika Public Works Supervisor Lyle Breaker, along with Ernie Webster, Shane Willier, and Adam Haimour from Arcadis, visited the gravesite to assess the scale of the upcoming project.
The purpose of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the site’s conditions and to begin identifying key tasks that will need to be addressed. This includes tasks such as locating existing graves that may be outside the premises, and identifying them as well, which was a common interest of Members who participated the Cemetery Project Questionnaire survey.
Lyle Breaker emphasized the importance of accurately locating the graves and noted that the necessary equipment is readily available to carry out this task without disturbing the burial sites.
“Now today, we have the equipment to perform sonars, without disturbing the ground” said Lyle, in an interview with Siksika Media.
While the team is eager to move forward, the project is still in its early stages. Taking the time to visit the site is a critical step, allowing the team—and landscape architect Ernie Webster in particular—to begin planning and laying the groundwork for successful implementation.
Following the initial site visit, architect Ernie Webster shared that he will begin drafting sketches and developing ideas inspired by the gravesite and informed by input from Elders and community members. For Webster, it was essential to physically visit and connect with the land where he will be doing the design work. The next steps will include analyzing feedback from the community and proceeding with conceptual design. Both Siksika Public Works and Arcadis recognize the importance of ensuring the project reflects the values and wishes of the community.
“For myself, it is important I be able to visit and touch the land physically for designs that I craft” said Webster.
Adam Haimour, Principal Senior Practice Lead in Civil Engineering, spoke about the deep respect Arcadis holds for Blackfoot culture and the land on which they will be working. Over the past several months, the team has been dedicated to learning proper protocols and taking the necessary steps to move forward responsibly. Guided by Elders and Lyle Breaker, they are ensuring that the design and implementation of their work aligns with and honors Blackfoot cultural values and beliefs. This commitment to understanding is why they are taking the time to listen and learn before beginning the project.
This project is being carefully planned with strong consideration for community input. It is shaped by feedback from the community, and moving forward, additional information will be shared with the public before any next steps are taken. The goal is to ensure that the project is implemented in ways that reflect the community’s needs and priorities.
