Racial Tension in Cardston, Alberta: A Community at a Crossroads

 Cardston, Alberta, sits in one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions of Canada. Located just north of the Blackfoot Confederacy and bordering the Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation), Cardston has a long and complicated history tied to both Mormon settlement and Indigenous presence. However, beneath the scenic backdrop lies a simmering issue that too often gets swept under the rug — racial tension.

A Legacy of Division

Cardston was founded in the late 1800s by Mormon settlers from the United States. Its roots as a religious settlement created a tight-knit, insular community that has, at times, been resistant to change or outside influence. On the other hand, the Blood Tribe — one of the largest First Nations in Canada — has lived in the region for thousands of years. Despite geographical proximity, the social and economic gap between Cardston and the Kainai Nation remains stark.

For decades, Indigenous residents have reported feeling unwelcome or stereotyped when entering Cardston. Stories of discrimination in stores, schools, and workplaces aren’t new — they’ve been passed down from generation to generation. While not everyone in Cardston shares these attitudes, the persistence of these experiences suggests a systemic issue.

Policing and Public Spaces

One major source of tension is how law enforcement is perceived and applied. Members of the Blood Tribe have raised concerns about over-policing and racial profiling within Cardston. Meanwhile, some Cardston residents express concerns about crime and safety — often with coded or outright racialized language — further fueling mistrust.

Public spaces like restaurants, retail stores, and schools sometimes become battlegrounds of unspoken (and sometimes spoken) bias. Whether it’s Indigenous youth being followed in shops, or complaints about cultural events or gatherings, the signs of racial friction are hard to ignore.

Economic and Social Disparities

The economic inequality between Cardston and the surrounding Indigenous communities also deepens the divide. While Cardston has access to provincial and federal infrastructure and services, the Blood Tribe faces chronic underfunding, housing issues, and gaps in health and education. These disparities feed harmful stereotypes and lead to resentment on both sides.

Pathways to Healing

Acknowledging the issue is the first step. Some local groups and individuals have taken steps to bridge the gap — from cultural exchanges and inter-community dialogues to youth mentorship and education initiatives. But these efforts need more visibility, support, and long-term commitment from both municipal and tribal leadership.

Education is also key. The true history of Southern Alberta — including colonization, treaties, and Indigenous resilience — must be taught more widely and honestly. This can help foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive narrative for the region.

Cardston is at a crossroads. It can continue to ignore the racial tension and let it fester, or it can choose the harder, more courageous path: truth, reconciliation, and meaningful change.

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