US EditionIndigenous leaders warn that Alberta separation would violate treaty rights
- On May 3, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s administration introduced Bill 54, which lowers the number of signatures required to trigger a referendum initiated by citizens, making it more feasible for a vote on Alberta’s independence to take place in 2026.
- This legislative change follows calls by separatist supporters wanting faster referendums, while Indigenous leaders warn such moves violate treaties and fundamental agreements protecting First Nations' rights.
- First Nations convened an emergency meeting on May 6 in Edmonton to denounce Premier Smith and Bill 54, emphasizing that treaty rights predate the province and cannot be overridden by provincial politics.
- Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton emphasized that Indigenous peoples have longstanding treaties that existed before the province itself and affirmed that discussions about separation are unfounded and unacceptable, highlighting strong Indigenous resistance to such ideas.
- Legal experts state First Nations cannot veto a referendum though they would participate in negotiations if separation occurs, and Smith affirms citizen-led initiatives must respect constitutional Indigenous rights and treaties.
18 Articles
18 Articles
EXCLUSIVE: Legal experts agree First Nations can’t block Alberta separation
Source: FacebookDespite loud opposition from First Nations leaders and the Alberta NDP, legal experts say Indigenous communities would not have the power to veto an Alberta independence referendum—even if treaties remain intact.Canadian Constitution Foundation legal counsel Josh Dehaas told True North that while Alberta cannot unilaterally secede from Canada, First Nations do not possess veto power over a referendum or subsequent negotiations.“T…
National Observer
First Nations take Alberta premier to task over separatist rhetoric
First Nations leaders say a silver lining to the “rhetoric and insanity” brought about by talks of Alberta separatism has united Indigenous communities “all across Canada, from coast to coast to coast.”
First Nations must be part of Alberta separation debate, says Piikani Nation chief
Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton is voicing firm opposition to recent moves by the Alberta government that critics say are advancing a separatist agenda, warning that any steps toward separation must respect treaty rights and cannot proceed without First Nations’…
Fort McMurray Today
'No right talking the way she is': Alberta First Nations chiefs united after emergency meeting denouncing separation talks
Leaders of First Nations across Alberta slammed Premier Danielle Smith for not putting talks of a separation referendum to rest and emphasized their opposition to Bill 54, which would lower the threshold for citizen initiatives.
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