Kehewin Cree Nation is speaking out against Alberta’s decision to advance a referendum process related to the province’s constitutional relationship with Canada, calling the move deeply concerning for Treaty rights and First Nations across Treaty No. 6 territory.

In a statement released on May 21, Kehewin Cree Nation said the Alberta Select Special Citizen Initiative Proposal Review Committee’s decision raises “serious concerns regarding democratic integrity, constitutional accountability” and the impact any constitutional changes could have on Treaty Nations.

The Nation says Treaty No. 6 predates the Province of Alberta and remains a constitutionally protected agreement between First Nations and the Crown. The statement argues that Alberta does not have unilateral authority to alter or diminish Treaty relationships through a provincial referendum.

Kehewin Cree Nation also questioned the legitimacy of the process itself, citing reports that statements were released publicly before debate and voting concluded.

The Nation further stated that people who signed the “Forever Canadian” petition did not do so in support of Alberta’s separation, saying the petition was introduced as a legislative policy proposal rather than a constitutional separation referendum.

Chief Vernon Watchmaker said Kehewin Cree Nation and its members are not simply stakeholders in the discussion, but Treaty partners with constitutionally protected rights and responsibilities under Treaty No. 6 and Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

The release also referenced recent court decisions reaffirming the Province’s constitutional duty to consult First Nations when advancing initiatives connected to Alberta separation or constitutional change.

Kehewin Cree Nation is calling on Premier Danielle Smith and the Government of Alberta to engage in meaningful consultation with First Nations before advancing any referendum process related to Alberta’s constitutional status.

The Nation also called upon the Government of Canada, the Governor General of Canada and the Crown under King Charles III to reaffirm and uphold Treaty relationships and constitutionally protected Treaty rights.

In closing, Kehewin Cree Nation stated it “will continue to stand firmly in defence of Treaty, constitutional law, and the sacred nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown on behalf of its Nation, citizens, and future generations.”