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Saddle Lake Cree Nation asserts treaty rights over access to gender-affirming care
The nation says the Treaty 6 medicine chest clause gives it authority to offer care and shield patients from Alberta restrictions.
- On Wednesday, Saddle Lake Cree Nation announced plans to establish a haven for gender-affirming care on reserve lands, asserting treaty rights to bypass Alberta's provincial restrictions.
- Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party government passed Alberta Bills 26, 27, and 29 last year, restricting medical treatments and pronoun changes for transgender youth and families.
- Invoking the 'medicine chest' clause of Treaty Number Six, the First Nation asserts inherent jurisdiction to provide healthcare, noting studies show denying supportive care increases mental health risks by 72 per cent.
- Saddle Lake Cree Nation Chief Dale Steinhauer confirmed the initiative will offer services to any Albertan, stating, "We will not stand by while basic human rights and vital healthcare services are denied."
- Senator Kristopher Wells praised the move as evidence-based, while Mount Royal University political analyst Lori Williams suggested this assertion of sovereign jurisdiction creates a direct legal challenge.
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Alberta First Nation wants to set up safe haven for gender-affirming care
Saddle Lake Cree Nation says its aiming to defy Premier Danielle Smith's government by establishing a safe haven for gender-affirming care. Chief Dale Steinhauer described the law as dehumanizing and says health care is protected under treaty rights.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune…Reposted by 
Edmonton Journal
Edmonton JournalSaddle Lake Cree Nation asserts treaty rights over access to gender-affirming care
Saddle Lake Cree First Nation is pursuing measures to create protection for gender-affirming care on its reserve land and territories by restoring access to life-saving medical care for all individuals within treaty territory.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 38%
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