Alberta separation a threat to First Nation sovereignty, say local chiefs – LakelandToday.ca

May 14, 2025

Before the Government of Alberta could hold a referendum on separation, they need to receive “free, prior, and informed consent” from all First Nations within the boundaries of the province.

“Before Alberta was Alberta in 1905, we signed treaties in 1899,” says Loon River First Nation Chief Ivan Sawan.

The treaties are nation-to-nation agreements between First Nations and the Crown and Canada, he adds.

“We never ceded or surrendered our land,” says Sawan.

Sawan was responding to the Government of Alberta’s proposed Bill 54, part of which makes citizen referendums easier. It’s expected – according to many reports – to result in a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.

Read More: https://www.lakelandtoday.ca/beyond-local/alberta-separation-a-threat-to-first-nation-sovereignty-say-local-chiefs-10659793