Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta acknowledges today’s Court decision regarding Alberta separation and the legal action brought forward by First Nations leadership.
We welcome today’s ruling from the Court of King’s Bench, which found Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer made an error by allowing a separation referendum proposal to move forward after a similar proposal had already been lawfully rejected.
“This decision sends a clear message that Treaty rights and constitutional obligations are not optional,” said Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. “We are pleased the Court recognized that governments cannot simply push aside constitutional protections and Treaty rights to advance a political agenda. Today’s ruling is an important step in upholding the honour of the Crown and the rights of First Nations.”
Treaty rights were not created by Alberta. They were not granted by provincial legislation. They flow from sacred agreements entered into with the Imperial Crown. Those rights remain alive today and are recognized and affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
We respectfully acknowledge the Nations, Chiefs, Councils, Elders, citizens, and legal teams across Alberta who stood together in defence of Treaty rights, inherent rights, and the constitutional relationship between First Nations and the Imperial Crown.
Across Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories, First Nations have made it clear that our Nations must be properly engaged when government decisions may affect our lands, rights, people, and future generations. Consultation is not a courtesy. It is a legal duty and a matter of respect.
“Today’s decision sends a clear message: Alberta cannot move forward on matters that affect Treaty lands, Treaty peoples, and the Treaty relationship with the Crown without meaningful consultation with First Nations,” said Grand Chief Mercredi.
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta stands in respect with all Nations involved in this matter and acknowledges the leadership shown throughout this important process. We will continue to uphold Treaty, defend the rights of our Nations, and work with Treaty Nations across Alberta to ensure our voices are respected in any process that affects our lands, our people, and future generations.