Our Team

The Destination Blackfoot team is dedicated to highlighting Blackfoot-owned tourism. By supporting local operators and celebrating Blackfoot culture, they help share experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and community-driven.

  • Cassie Ayoungman is a proud Siksika’ki (Blackfoot woman) from Siksika Nation, Alberta, and has been part of the Destination Blackfoot journey since 2025.

    She is the founder of Soul of Miistaki, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit that brings people together through hiking, climbing, biking, and skiing while sharing culture, land-based experiences, and connection to the mountains. Soul of Miistaki has also been featured as an operator within Destination Blackfoot.

    Her path has been shaped by sport, service, and time on the land. From basketball and the Bold Eagle program to finding her way into mountain spaces, she recognized the need for stronger Indigenous presence and representation outdoors. Soul of Miistaki grew from that vision, creating space to gather, move, and learn through Siksikaitsitapi ways of knowing and responsibility to place.

    Now working as Promotion Coordinator with Destination Blackfoot, Cassie supports and amplifies Blackfoot-owned operators across the Confederacy. Her work strengthens partnerships, uplifts community voices, and helps share Blackfoot tourism in a way that reflects the people and culture behind it. She also works as a paramedic and is an Arc'teryx Alberta Ambassador.

    Her film, Iikaiksimatsa’pao’p (Grateful To Be On The Land) highlights her story and the work of Soul of Miistaki, and has been featured at festivals including the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Her work has also been featured in Mountain Life Media and Canadian Geographic. While she served as a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces for 11 years, Cassie was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and various accolades.

Promotions Coordinator

  • Theoren is a member of the Siksika Nation and serves as Manager of Corporate Affairs and Communications for the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council, representing the collective interests of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Amskapi Piikani Nations.

    With over a decade of experience across sectors including human and social services, economic development, tourism, energy, and investment, he leads the development and execution of strategic communications and marketing initiatives that support Nation-building priorities. His work spans high-level government relations, major event coordination, digital media strategy, and the advancement of initiatives such as Destination Blackfoot, cross-border advocacy, and Confederacy-wide programs aligned with long-term strategic planning.

    Grounded in his identity as Niitsitapi, Theoren Royal’s work is driven by a commitment to advancing the well-being of Siksikaitsitapi and upholding the legacy of his people. Recognized for his ability to translate complex ideas into impactful messaging, he applies expertise in branding, storytelling, and digital engagement to strengthen organizational presence and influence. His approach centers on communications as a tool for connection, ensuring that Blackfoot voices, priorities, and stories are effectively represented across local, national, and international platforms.

Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager - Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council

  • I obtained my Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2003.  I grew up on the Blood Tribe and I’m a proud member of the Blackfoot Confederacy which straddles Alberta and Montana, USA. 

    I understand the unique jurisdictional issues Indigenous people encounter in their pursuit for economic sovereignty, community development and expressing our Indigenous ways of knowing and caring for our land and people. I have over 25 years experience in working with various Governments, First Nations, and Metis in the following of areas: environmental conservation and protection, creating joint economic opportunity governance structures, establishing networks for entrepreneurs and tourism operators, and justice frameworks based on Indigenous values. I have over 15 years experience at the Director-level and have led various teams to build capacity, address gap closure and inequality issues on a variety of community-based initiatives.  I led the establishment of the Blackfoot Guardianship Rocky Mountain East Slopes Project which elevates Blackfoot knowledge systems while incorporating Western Science practices for environmental protection and in 2023 our team was recognized with a leadership award. In 2024 I received the leadership award for Destination Blackfoot from Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

Chief Executive Director - Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council