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Indigenous 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.
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Fort McMurray TodayFort McMurray Today
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'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.

·Fort McMurray, Canada
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Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune… broke the news in on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
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