First Nations Chiefs Pass Resolution on Treaty Rights Ahead of Alberta Referendum

Chiefs from the Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution Thursday calling on the federal and provincial governments to protect treaty rights from threats posed by Alberta separatism. The resolution, adopted at the group's annual meeting in Ottawa, states that no province has the legal authority to alter, diminish or extinguish treaty rights or the constitutional relationship between First Nations and the Crown, Cbc reported.

It also asks governments to uphold the honour of the Crown and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The resolution criticizes the Alberta government for planning to normalize separation while failing to recognize or engage First Nations whose rights would be affected by such constitutional change. Premier Danielle Smith announced in May that a question on Alberta's future in Canada would appear on the October referendum ballot.

The question asks whether Alberta should remain a province or begin the legal process for a binding separation referendum.

Smith has said she supports Alberta staying in Canada. Spokesperson Sam Blackett stated that the government, caucus and United Conservative Party agree, adding that the focus remains on building a stronger, more sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

The announcement followed a Court of King's Bench ruling by Justice Shaina Leonard that quashed approval of a pro-separation petition by Stay Free Alberta.

Leonard found that the chief electoral officer failed to consult First Nations and did not consider a prior decision that separation would violate treaty rights. Smith later called the ruling troubling. Stay Free Alberta organizers appealed, and the decision has been partially walked back.