Today, Albertans head to the polls to cast their votes on whether the province should remain part of Canada or pursue a second, binding referendum on separation.
First Nations and Indigenous organizations have expressed serious concerns that a referendum on Alberta independence would jeopardize their Treaty relationship and undermine their right to self-determination.
It remains to be seen what will happen if Albertans vote to move ahead with a second referendum. Regardless of the outcome of today’s vote, First Nations have been clear that they will continue to fight to ensure their Treaties are protected.
Check out the articles below, and a blog post from FPL’s Bruce McIvor written earlier this year, for more about the issue of Alberta separatism and how it connects to the broader context of Treaty relationships.
Gina Starblanket and James Rowe reflect on treaty relationality, settler colonialism, and the future of Alberta
Inseparable: Alberta’s Referendum and the Continuity of Treaty Relationality in the Prairies (Yellowhead Institute - October 15, 2026)
The future of Alberta is not separatism; it is treaty.
Bruce McIvor redirects the secession discourse from consultation to consent
Alberta Secession Requires More Than Consultation | First Peoples Law (First Peoples Law - May 28, 2026)
Alberta does not have the power to cancel the treaties, nor does it have the right to vote to unilaterally leave Canada.
Robert Hamilton highlights Indigenous leaders' responses to Alberta separatism and explains the legal arguments at the core of their actions
“Get the province of Alberta in line”: Treaty Promises, Provincial Power, and the Role of Indigenous Nations in Discussions on Alberta Secession (ABLawg - May 30, 2025)
Living up to treaty promises is thus a ‘constitution and legal’ imperative in the sense that governments have legal and constitutional obligations to uphold treaty rights and diligently implement treaty promises.
First Peoples Law is a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We work closely with First Nations to defend their Aboriginal title, rights and Treaty rights, uphold their Indigenous laws and governance and ensure economic prosperity for their members.
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