While leaders of the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nations welcomed the results of last week’s provincial referendum, the three band chiefs say that the Alberta government now has work to do in “repairing relationships” with the Nations. In an Oct. 21 letter to Premier Danielle Smith, Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon, Chiniki Chief Aaron Young and Goodstoney Chief Clifford Poucette say the referendum process has “caused real and lasting division.” “Treaty rights and the nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown were never open to re-negotiation through a provincial referendum,” read the letter from the Treaty 7 First Nation Chiefs’ Association, which includes Stoney Nakoda First Nations and the Tsuut’ina Nation. “The fact that this process was allowed to proceed has damaged trust. Rebuilding that trust will require deliberate and sustained action.” The letter calls on Smith and relevant ministers to initiate meetings with the Nations, addressing “concrete steps” forward that honour treaty obligations. “How do we begin to try to work with the government of Alberta? It’s going to take some work to get back to having that respect, to listen to one another. Over the last few years, it’s been a challenge,” said Chief Dixon. “Now, the cards are on the government’s table. What do you want to play as far as having that relationship, to try to get back to a better place?” Leading up to the Oct. 19 referendum, Chief Dixon said there was strong turnout amongst Nation members at community sessions where questions and concerns over the future of First Nations in the province were raised. “We had some sessions with our community members, and they were comfortable speaking their mind, saying, ‘We were here a long time before Alberta became a province,’” he said. “They can’t change that because people feel that they have a right. They have a right to remain in their territory, and they want to protect that right.” Coming in well above the provincial average of 75 per cent, Stoney Nakoda recorded 96 per cent out of 1,195 voters in favour of remaining in Canada, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. Province-wide, the trend was similar, showing a greater turnout amongst First Nations communities at the polls than in the past. “Several First Nation voting stations experienced voter turnout beyond projected levels,” said an Elections Alberta spokesperson in an email. “More First Nations communities participated in having voting locations in their communities than in the past – 36 in 2026 (unofficial) vs. 33 in [the] 2023 [provincial election].” Sarah Elmeligi, Alberta NDP MLA for Banff-Kananaskis, said she was glad to see such high voter turnout amongst Alberta’s Indigenous communities. “The overwhelming majority of Albertans voted to stay in Canada, which is a really great result,” Elmeligi said at a community event on Stoney Nakoda First Nation on Oct. 20, the day after the referendum. “To me, one of the best results is that the Indigenous vote was three times in volume in comparison to any other provincial election before, so the Indigenous voice is louder than ever.” Beyond their relationship with the province, the chiefs hope to see the government take steps to repair “broader divisions” caused by the referendum process across Alberta, according to the letter. “There is work to be done and we are prepared to begin engaging in discussions that will see a future for our people and Albertans in Treaty 7.” The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. This position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.
