Its like half of Alberta...
Posted on 01/06/2026 9:22:37 PM PST by algore
An Alberta First Nation is seeking to quash a potential referendum on provincial separation, saying they have been treated as “chattel on the land” and that an independence campaign would make Alberta vulnerable to foreign interference.
On Monday, Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation, a band in northwest Alberta, sued the provincial and federal governments and the province’s chief electoral officer in the Court of King’s Bench, asking for an injunction on a separatist petition approved last week.
Sturgeon Lake argues separation is impossible without First Nations consent and that a referendum would open the door to corporate donors and digital campaigns by foreign actors, specifically from the United States.
“Alberta has treated [Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation] as though they are chattel on the land, merely an afterthought in forced negotiations, not the first step in any potential secession,” states the court document.
It goes on to say: “Alberta has no right to secede from Canada and no right to take Treaty No. 8 territory.”
The First Nation is located on Treaty No. 8 territory.
Elections Alberta approves proposed referendum question on separating from Canada
Alberta First Nations have loudly opposed the prospect of an independence referendum over the past year since Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it easier to launch citizen-initiated petitions.
Last week, Elections Alberta gave final approval for pro-separation organizers to kick off a four-month drive to gather the nearly 178,000 signatures required to force a referendum. Separatist leaders have been emboldened since Ms. Smith threatened a national unity crisis over federal energy policies, while U.S. President Donald Trump mused about making Canada the 51st state.
If the petition is successful, Ms. Smith has committed to holding a referendum in 2026.
(Excerpt) Read more at theglobeandmail.com ...
The chattel speaks.
Note that they want to quash the referendum entirely, not just argue against voting for it. It’s like they know the outcome.
Its like half of Alberta...
Let’s just say you’re a Native American in North America. Ask yourself, historically, would you want a treaty with the United States or with Canada?
The native Americans in Alberta don’t want to lose their territory. They understand what happens if the treaty they made with Canada dissolves with breakup of Canada. They have a valid point, and it’s a detail that should be worked out before he Alberta Exit.
Thanks for posting that.
In spite of the bigoted comments up thread, First Nations are in the driver’s seat. Treaty 8 provisions and the subsequent case law regarding Treaty 8 show that First Nation’s treaty benefits and protections aren’t going to diminished by Alberta leaving Confederation (highly doubtful that happens).
That treaty wont dissolve.
Yes, like our Indian nations, they have a pretty good deal....lots of benefits from the mother country without all the obligations.
Maybe it is time we rethink this. It has been over 100 years. Perhaps they should choose to assimilate.
Perhaps. Doubt tribes will give up treaty rights.
Thanks, by the way, for the graphic!
Regards,
Thanks for post, Adder.
Breakups are rarely ‘clean’. No reason to expect it would be different with Alberta, Canada, and the Treaty lands.
Since we are just musing at the moment, why not leave the Treaty 8 lands out of the equation? Let them stay with Canada, and let the folks outside those lands decide for themselves.
Like the African-Americans in Britain?
Regards,
This is why you never give recognition to the vanquished.
Does Canaduh allow them to have Casinos?
EC
Translation These twats want to be assured they will still get payments for just existing.
Canada is doomed
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