First Nations across Treaty 6 territory are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 1876 agreement with the Crown this month. However, the upcoming referendum on Alberta independence is causing concern among some, overshadowing the celebrations.
The fall referendum in Alberta includes a question on whether the province should stay in Canada or proceed with a binding referendum on separation. Many First Nations individuals are worried about the impact on their treaty rights and other entitlements.
Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations expressed the need for discussions within First Nations communities to encourage voting against separatism. He emphasized that the treaty is unrelated to Alberta and that the province acts as a representative of the Crown in the agreement.
According to Pete, the treaty secures various rights for First Nations, including health, education, and the freedom to hunt and live off the land, rights that remain valid today. Janice Makokis, an assistant professor at the University of Windsor and member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, stressed that Canada is legally obligated to act in the best interests of First Nations.
The Alberta government introduced its own referendum question rather than adopting the one proposed by a separatist group. First Nations have been engaged in legal battles with the province, arguing that the referendum question threatens their treaty rights.
Despite challenges, the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations organized a series of events leading up to the treaty’s anniversary. The absence of government representation at these events was noted by Grand Chief Pete as a sign of a lack of reconciliation efforts.
Treaty 6, signed in 1876 at Fort Carlton, covers a vast area spanning central Alberta and Saskatchewan, with additional First Nations in Manitoba later joining the agreement. The treaty played a crucial role in Alberta’s integration into Canada’s legal framework.
Amid discussions of separatism, some groups suggest that an independent Alberta could enhance economic opportunities for First Nations. However, concerns persist about the potential impact on treaty rights and the longstanding relationship between First Nations and the Crown.
Dwayne Donald, a professor at the University of Alberta, emphasized the significance of Treaty 6 as a living covenant that extends beyond a mere agreement between nations. He highlighted the importance of understanding the spiritual and sacred elements embedded in the treaty.
While some advocate for First Nations to have a stake in shaping an independent Alberta, others like Chief Vernon Watchmaker of Kehewin Cree Nation express reservations about severing ties with the Crown. The historical and sacred nature of the treaties underscores the complexity of the situation.
As discussions continue, the forgotten history of First Nations in the region, such as the Papaschase First Nation in Edmonton, serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between Indigenous communities and the land. The separatist movement raises questions about sovereignty and the long-standing presence of Indigenous peoples in the region.
