FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 29, 2026 (EDMONTON, AB) – Earlier today, Chiefs from Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 held a joint press conference at the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta office in Edmonton to publicly oppose the Government of Alberta’s approval of a separation petition and to affirm the inherent, constitutional, and Treaty-based foundations of their Nations’ rights.
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta express our full and unequivocal support for the legal action brought by Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Siksika Nation, Piikani Nation, and the Blood Tribe to challenge Alberta’s decision, which directly undermines Treaty rights, constitutional order, and the rule of law.
We also recognize and support Mikisew Cree First Nation, which has confirmed it will be filing its own legal challenge.
Alberta is situated on Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 lands. The province exists here onlybecause our Nations entered solemn Treaties with the Imperial Crown, agreeing to share these lands for settlement under clearly defined terms. Alberta did not create that authority, and it does not possess the legal or constitutional power to revoke, alter, or override it.
“Alberta came after Treaty 8, that matters,” said Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. “The province is a tenant on this land, not the landlord. Any talk of separation or so-called provincial sovereignty is not just political theatre; let me be clear: it’s also a proposal to break Treaty. Alberta does not have the authority to ask that question, let alone act on any answer.”
Treaty No. 8 is a binding and living agreement between our First Nations and the Imperial Crown, protected by the Canadian Constitution. While the Province has obligations to uphold the honour of the Crown, it has no jurisdiction to unilaterally undermine or disregard Treaty rights. Efforts to advance
separation while ignoring these constitutional realities are deeply disrespectful, legally unsound, and without force or effect.
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta stand in full solidarity with the Chiefs and Nations from Treaties 6, 7, and 8 that are pursuing legal action and call on Albertans to stand with us to defend Treaty 8, the Canadian Constitution, and the rule of law that protects us all.
Trevor Mercredi
Grand Chief