February 26, 2026 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) — The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC) of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, Treaty No. 8 has unanimously passed a vote of non-confidence in the UCP Government of Alberta, prompted by the Danielle Smith government’s refusal to respond appropriately to the current political atmosphere on our Treaty territories. The vote took place in a duly convened meeting on Treaty No. 6 Territory, at The Venue at River Cree Resort, Enoch, Alberta.
First Nations have no trust or confidence in the Government of Alberta and the United Conservative Party (UCP) due to their continued failure to meet Treaty-based constitutional and governance responsibilities. The UCP has acted repeatedly with a lack of critical understanding and respect for those responsibilities, demonstrating their inability to responsibly and respectfully govern the province of Alberta.
A responsible government requires independent democratic oversight and a transparent legislative process. The UCP has obstructed and failed to meet these basic requirements to govern.
“This UCP government has created conditions in Alberta that are unsafe for First Nations Peoples – promoting ignorance and intolerance along with its support for the separatist agenda is leading to outright racism”, said Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations Grand Chief and Sunchild First Nation Chief Joey Pete. “Danielle Smith’s government is acting as an embassy for the worst we’ve seen from south of the border, and it’s time to say no. No one wants the future this government is taking us into.
“The UCP has repeatedly demonstrated to all Treaty people that it does not have the capacity to responsibly navigate the political instability resulting from the chaos Danielle Smith has created,” said Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. “The growing climate of division and separation is a direct result of its failure to respect Treaty Rights, constitutional obligations, and the foundational relationship between First Nations and the Crown. Alberta deserves leadership grounded in accountability, stability, and respect for Treaty.”
“All Chiefs of Alberta have united at the AOTC gathering to take swift action against Premier Danielle Smith and her unconstitutional exercise to separate Alberta from the Crown through a unanimous vote of non-confidence. All Chiefs are well aware of and respect the lifelong covenant that contributed to the establishment of Canada through our Treaties – as long as the sun shines, grass grows, and the rivers flow, we remain connected as neighbors and partners with all humans on this land.” – Xakiji Suh Xakiji (Chief Ellery Starlight), Treaty 7 Chiefs Association.
“The Blackfoot Confederacy continues to oppose efforts to promote Alberta separation from Canada, and cannot support a government that encourages this. We stand with other Treaty Nations in firm opposition to all efforts to undermine and erode the foundations of our Treaty Relationship. Our Treaties are with the Crown and are sacred. Our Rights are non-negotiable.” – Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs.
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, Treaty No. 8 now calls on members of the current Government of Alberta, New Democratic Party (NDP) and independent Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to officially and expeditiously declare in the Alberta Legislative Assembly, a Vote of Non-Confidence in this current government.