The Dene Nation is voicing support for First Nations in Alberta who oppose a proposed referendum that could advance the province toward separation from Canada.
In a Wednesday news release, the Dene Nation said the movement has sparked controversy and opposition across the province in recent years, fuelled by “political and economic grievances.”
Indigenous groups have said Alberta separatism cannot move forward without their consent because treaties were signed before the province existed.
Some Alberta First Nations have launched legal challenges against the proposed referendum. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, for example, has filed a statement of claim and is seeking an injunction to halt the process.
Stay Free Alberta, the group behind the petition, needs approximately 177,700 valid signatures by May 2 to force a referendum on the question: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”
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The Dene Nation noted that Treaties 6, 7 and 8 are agreements made with the Crown, not the provincial government, and said any attempt by Alberta to “unilaterally secede” without the consent of First Nations would violate those treaties.
“The Dene Nation stands with all the Indigenous communities whose lands and rights are directly impacted by such actions,” Dene National Chief George Mackenzie was quoted as saying.
“Especially for Northerners who depend on strong relationships with Alberta as a hub for medical services, travel and essential supply delivery and route access, these relationships are important to the Dene.
“The proposed separatist referendum is not only a political maneuver but a direct slight to the sacred treaties that bind us to this land and to Canada. We will not stand idly by as our rights and territories are threatened.”
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Meanwhile, at the NWT legislature, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart also introduced the subject of Alberta separatism.
Testart said misguided admiration of US President Donald Trump meant separatists in the province were “flirting with treasonous sedition, convinced that tearing the country apart is some kind of game.”
He told the legislature in a Wednesday statement that Canadians “stand united against any threat to our sovereignty.”
Ollie Williams contributed reporting.
