Treaty 6’s Shadow: Separatist Dreams and Indigenous Rights in Alberta

Treaty 6 anniversary celebrations across Alberta this summer served as a poignant reminder of the complex power dynamics between First Nations, the province, and Canada. As Albertans prepare for their upcoming referendum on independence, many Indigenous leaders are concerned about the implications for Treaty 6 rights.

According to Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, the treaty predates Alberta’s provincial identity and is an agreement between nations – including the Crown – that has nothing to do with the province itself. “Our ancestors knew these things were going to happen,” he notes. “That’s why they signed a treaty.” This perspective suggests that any discussion of secession must involve re-examining and possibly renegotiating Treaty 6.

However, some Indigenous leaders are skeptical about promises to preserve their rights in an independent Alberta. Janice Makokis, an assistant professor from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, notes that leaving the province would directly impact funding for education and healthcare, which are tied to the federal government. This concern is not unfounded: last year’s stay-free initiative sparked a court battle between First Nations and the Alberta government over their duty to consult.

Treaty 6 has far-reaching implications beyond provincial borders. The treaty was signed at Fort Carlton in what is now Saskatchewan, but its reach extends across central Alberta and into Manitoba – making it one of the few agreements that transcend provincial boundaries. Despite this, some separatists claim that Indigenous rights would be unaffected by an independent Alberta.

Keith Wilson, a lawyer with the separatist group Let Alberta Decide, argues that “the treaties will carry on” in the event of secession. However, Chief Vernon Watchmaker of Kehewin Cree Nation is skeptical: “I wouldn’t entertain that notion,” he says firmly, citing his community’s long-standing relationship with the Crown.

The debate over Indigenous rights and self-determination has been at the forefront of Canadian politics for some time. As one observer notes, “People need to understand that it was part of the British legal tradition to make treaties – actually a requirement – once Rupert’s Land was transferred to Canada.” This legacy raises questions about whether these obligations are still taken seriously today.

As Albertans weigh their options on independence, they must consider what this means for Treaty 6 and the rights it guarantees. The clock is ticking: with the referendum looming on the horizon, will promises of preserving Indigenous rights prove to be nothing more than empty words? Or will we finally take concrete steps toward reconciliation – rather than merely paying lip service to its ideals?