The BC Assembly of First Nations is expressing support for First Nations in Alberta following a court decision that found the province failed to adequately consult Indigenous communities on a citizen-led separatist petition.
In an open letter dated May 29, Regional Chief Terry Teegee congratulated Alberta First Nations leaders on what he described as a significant legal victory. The ruling, issued by Justice Shaina Leonard on May 13, determined that the Alberta government did not fulfill its legal duty to consult First Nations before allowing a petition process related to Alberta separation to move forward.
The letter states that the decision reaffirms that Treaties are constitutionally protected agreements between First Nations and the Crown and cannot be altered without consultation and engagement with affected Nations.
Teegee also voiced support for leaders from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 Nations, including the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika First Nation, who have publicly opposed Alberta separatism and raised concerns about potential impacts on Treaty rights.
The BC Assembly of First Nations criticized Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to appeal the ruling and move ahead with a separatist question in a referendum planned for October.
The letter further calls on the federal government to uphold the court’s decision and the honour of the Crown, arguing that First Nations should not be left to shoulder the responsibility of defending constitutional and Treaty rights on their own.
Teegee concluded by expressing solidarity with First Nations in Alberta, stating that the court victory represents an important affirmation of Indigenous rights, Treaty relationships and constitutional protections.
