A statement from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.
The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta has filed a legal claim regarding the approval of a separatist petition in Alberta, arguing that any move toward separation from Canada cannot proceed without the consent of First Nations.
In a statement, the First Nation said it has filed a Statement of Claim in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench against the Alberta government, the federal government and Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer.
“No separation of Alberta from Canada can occur without First Nation consent. This is Treaty land. This is the law,” the statement reads.
According to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, the petition’s approval could invite foreign interference and lead to economic, societal and legal harm for residents of Alberta, especially First Nations.
The claim alleges a failure to uphold and implement Treaty No. 8 and argues the approval of the petition violates treaty rights.
Treaty No. 8, signed in 1899, covers a large portion of northern Alberta as well as parts of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
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