The Siksika Nation Community Cleanup Initiative is now underway, with Public Works crews and supporting departments making their way through communities across the Nation. Despite challenging weather conditions at times, crews remain committed to completing the cleanup according to the original schedule and continuing to improve communities throughout Siksika Nation.
On May 26, 2026, Siksika Infostructure and Public Works hosted a community cleanup in the Red Store community on Map 9. This community cleanup initiative has been taking place for approximately five consecutive years and continues to grow through collaboration between Public Works, Nation departments, and community members.
Wendell Calf Robe, Solid Waste and Roads Supervisor, explained the purpose behind the initiative:
“This initiative is to bring together nation members to buy in, with the support of Siksika Nation Public Works and related departments who volunteer to participate as well.”
Support from Siksika Nation departments has been excellent throughout the initiative. Departments have continued to step up on their scheduled days, contributing staff, equipment, and time to help improve communities across the Nation. Public Works extends its appreciation to all participating departments for their continued commitment and teamwork.
While departmental participation has been strong, participation from residents within the communities has been more limited than anticipated. Organizers continue to encourage Nation members to come out and support the cleanup efforts in their own neighborhoods.
Lyle Breaker, Infrastructure and Public Works Manager, believes the long-term success of the initiative depends on community ownership and pride.
“Having clean communities does not depend on Public Works budgets or ISC funding. Those resources help support initiatives like this, but the real power to create clean, safe, and beautiful communities’ rests with our people. It starts with each resident taking pride in where they live, setting an example for their children, and teaching the next generation the importance of respecting our homes, our neighborhoods, and our land.”
Breaker added that the goal is not simply to remove waste for a few weeks each year, but to build habits that will strengthen communities for generations to come.
“When young people grow up seeing their parents, grandparents, and neighbors taking care of their properties and helping their communities, those values become part of who they are. That’s how lasting change happens.”
Recently, while conducting cleanup activities in the Washington area, Calf Robe and his crew discovered a large illegal dumping site believed to have been created by non-Nation members. The site required three 40-yard garbage bins to remove the waste.
The discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Siksika lands and remaining vigilant against illegal dumping activities.
Executive Industrial Manager Melissa Leather-Dixon emphasized that volunteer opportunities remain available throughout the initiative.
“It’s really important for community members to see everybody is coming together, and they are encouraged to come out. We have garbage bags, gloves, pickers, and everything available for them. Even if they just want to come out and do their own lawn or whatever, it’s highly encouraged, for sure.”
Public Works would also like to remind residents to secure and tie up their dogs before crews arrive in their communities. Free-roaming dogs continue to be a challenge for cleanup crews and can create safety concerns for workers and volunteers. Securing pets helps ensure crews can complete their work safely and efficiently while providing the best possible service to all residents.
As the cleanup initiative continues through the remaining communities, Public Works remains committed to following the published schedule and working alongside Nation departments and community members to create cleaner, safer neighborhoods.
Together, we can set the standard for future generations and demonstrate that clean communities begin with community pride.
Photos by Andrew Breaker
Photos submitted by Wendell Calf Robe & Lyle Breaker
