Treaty chiefs from across Alberta are urging federal and provincial governments to establish a permanent forum to address Treaty obligations, resource revenue sharing and the protection of First Nations rights.
Representatives of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy delivered a united message at the First Nations–First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, saying Canada’s prosperity depends on honouring its Treaty relationships.
In a statement following the meeting, the leaders emphasized that First Nations are Treaty partners and rights holders, not stakeholders. They said their inherent and Treaty rights cannot be diminished by federal or provincial policies or legislation.
“Our Treaties established the foundation upon which Canada and its provinces were built,” the statement read.
The chiefs want a permanent Treaty table involving the federal government, Alberta, Treaties 6, 7 and 8, and the Blackfoot Confederacy. They are seeking a clear mandate, dedicated resources, agreed timelines and a date for the first meeting.
The proposed forum would address Treaty implementation, resource revenue sharing, the protection of lands and waters, and First Nations participation in major projects.
The leaders said economic partnerships must extend beyond opportunities for First Nations to acquire equity in resource developments. They argued that resource revenue sharing is a Treaty obligation that requires direct negotiations with Treaty Nations.
The chiefs cited the 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreement as part of a history of Indigenous exclusion from the economic benefits generated within their territories. The agreement transferred control over natural resources from the federal government to the Prairie provinces. The chiefs said the transfer occurred without First Nations’ consent and contributed to generations of Indigenous people being excluded from resource wealth.
They said addressing that history is part of the unfinished business of Treaty and must be a priority in discussions with governments.
The statement expressed support for responsible economic development and nation-building projects, provided they include appropriate environmental oversight, meaningful benefits and direct agreements with affected Nations based on transparency and fairness.
However, the leaders warned that development must not come at the expense of Treaty rights, lands, waters or future generations.
The chiefs also raised concerns about Bill C-39, identified as the proposed Building Canada Strong Act. They argued that the legislation could accelerate major projects without meaningful consultation, adequate environmental protections or the free, prior and informed consent of affected First Nations.
They called for the bill to be withdrawn and amended to respect and protect inherent and Treaty rights.
The statement said any discussions about changes to the Indian Act must take place directly with First Nations as rights holders. The process, they said, must respect Indigenous sovereignty and jurisdiction and be grounded in free, prior and informed consent.
The chiefs stressed that no organization is authorized to represent their Nations or negotiate arrangements on their behalf without the express consent of the rights-holding Nations.
The leaders also pointed to Alberta’s separation debate, saying Treaty First Nations played an important role in defending Treaty rights and supporting Canada’s unity. Alberta voters rejected a proposal to begin the process of holding a binding referendum on separation, rather than voting directly on whether the province should leave Canada.
The chiefs said First Nations used legal challenges, public advocacy and community mobilization to influence the debate.
“Canada was absent in supporting our Treaty Nations in keeping the country together,” the statement said, adding, “You’re welcome, Canada.”
The chiefs criticized Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for not attending the First Nations–First Ministers Meeting. They also objected to the province’s decision to appeal a court ruling concerning its duty to consult First Nations in relation to the separation referendum.
The leaders urged Alberta to work directly with Treaty Nations to rebuild trust, respect their rights and strengthen Treaty relationships instead of continuing to challenge its constitutional obligations in court.
They also called on the federal government to help ensure Alberta upholds its duty to consult and the Crown’s obligation to act honourably.
Separately, Andrea Sandmaier, president of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, expressed disappointment with remarks by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak that Sandmaier said questioned the distinct identity and existence of the Métis Nation.
In a statement, Sandmaier said Métis history and identity predate Alberta’s entry into Confederation and Canada’s recognition of Métis rights.
“Canada did not create the Métis Nation, and our existence is not up for debate,” Sandmaier said.
She cited historic Métis communities across Alberta, including St. Albert, Lac Ste. Anne, Fort Vermilion, St. Paul des Métis and Lesser Slave Lake. She said Métis people had established communities, systems of governance, languages and traditions long before Alberta became a province.
Sandmaier said Métis ancestors organized in response to government policies, including scrip, that she said sought to dispossess their people. She also cited 1928 as a milestone in the development of the organization that would become the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, marking the beginning of decades of political advocacy and work toward self-government.
Today, Sandmaier said, the Métis Government represents an Indigenous people through democratically elected leadership and a citizenship registry based on historical Métis ancestry.
She said the Métis Government recognizes the injustices First Nations have endured under colonial policies and supports their efforts to reclaim their rights and determine their own citizenship.
However, she said recognition of First Nations rights must not come at the expense of Métis rights.
“Our histories are intertwined, but our identities are distinct,” Sandmaier said.
She called on Woodhouse Nepinak to recognize the harm she said was caused by questioning the legitimacy of an entire Indigenous people.
Sandmaier also addressed the Métis Government’s more than 78,000 citizens across Alberta, urging them to remain confident in their identity and history.
“We are Otipemisiwak, the people who govern themselves — and we are not going anywhere,” she said.
The Treaty chiefs said their Nations are seeking concrete commitments and measurable actions to support prosperity for current and future generations.
They argued that Treaties should be recognized as partnerships that can support economic development and strengthen Canada, rather than as barriers to growth.
“Our Treaties should not be seen as obstacles to Canada’s prosperity, but as partnerships that will build a stronger, united and prosperous Canada,” the chiefs’ statement said.
“Treaty is the foundation that will keep Canada intact.”
