Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations condemn UCP separatist referendum push

Press Release

May 21, 2026 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) — The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations condemns the plan of Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government to move ahead with a separation referendum question in Alberta this fall. Pushing this referendum forward confirms Albertans are living under a separatist regime, and the Confederacy continues to oppose this illegal separatist agenda. Any effort to separate, including any form of referendum, is a breach of the Treaty relationship established through Treaty No. 6 and protected under the Constitution.

The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations stands with Treaty No. 7 and No. 8 First Nations to uphold and defend the Treaty and Constitutional Rights of First Nations — and of everyone in Alberta. The UCP government changes the rules with complete disregard for legal process and their duty to consult First Nations. The UCP’s ignorance about Treaty and their duties are a public lie undertaken to maintain political power. Simply put, Premier Danielle Smith and her party are beholden to the separatists who put them in power. Everything they do is subservient to that debt – without consideration for laws, Treaty obligations or the wellbeing of future generations.

Premier Smith’s comments regarding the ‘anti-democratic’ nature of the judiciary are concerning. While she claims to support democracy, her government’s actions show the opposite. Their efforts to sidestep, ignore and oppose inherent Treaty Rights protected by the Constitution of Canada have been an ongoing attack on the rule of law in this Country. This includes the UCP’s endless, failed attempts to legitimize Stay Free Alberta’s “independence petition.” Treaty Rights cannot be put aside or disregarded, as both the Justice Feasby and Justice Leonard decisions have confirmed in the Court of King’s Bench. The Premier’s willingness to entertain the use of the notwithstanding clause in matters of Treaty and Constitutional Rights is deeply alarming and reflects continued disregard for the rule of law, the judiciary, and the Constitution itself.

First Nations are once again carrying the burden of defending the Constitution of Canada while the Government of Canada remains silent. The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations calls directly on the Government of Canada to step up and fulfil its duty to protect Treaty Rights, the rule of law and the Constitution. This is a Treaty matter, and this unacceptable silence and inaction dishonour the Treaty relationship.

We will not be idle. The Confederacy will continue this battle in unity with all Treaty No. 7 and No. 8 Nations.

Treaty is forever.

Grand Chief Joey Pete

Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations

Media Contact:

Jill McKenzie

jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.co

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