This is a statement co-written by First Nations leaders of Treaty 6 Territory, including Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Samson Cree Nation, and Montana First Nation. It calls on the Province of Alberta, the Government of Canada, and the Crown (through King Charles the III) to uphold binding Treaty obligations that were agreed to in 1876. The statement reinforces that Treaty No. 6 is a sacred covenant that lasts as long as “the sun shines, the trees grow, and the waters flow.” It explains that Alberta’s government is not respecting their Treaty rights by trying to control their lands without consent. It calls on Canada, King Charles III, and the international community to help protect Treaty rights and stop Alberta from overstepping its power.

Reasserting Sovereignty: Defending Treaty Nations and challenging the governments of Canada and Alberta

Author: Okimaw Jason Whiskeyjack, Saddle Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker, Kehewin Cree Nation Okimaw Henry Lewis, Onion Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Sheldon Sunshine, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Gary Lameman, Beaver Lake Cree Nation Okimaw Vernon Saddleback, Samson Cree Nation Okimaw Joel Mykat, Ermineskin Cree Nation Okimaw Desmond Bull, Louis Bull Tribe Okimaw Ralph Cattleman, Montana First Nation

Year: 2025

Media Type: Press Release