‘Treaties in Alberta are not optional agreements’: First Nations gather at City Hall rally against separatists

A rally at Calgary city hall highlighted the ramifications Alberta separating from Canada would have on treaty agreements with First Nations.

Several dozen Calgarians braved the cold Saturday to join in the Treaties are Forever rally at City Hall.

Since talk of Alberta separating from Canada began, First Nations have flagged the implications separation would have on treaty agreements with the Crown.

Recently, First Nations won a one-month stay from an Alberta judge that Elections Alberta couldn’t start verifying signatures on the pro-separation petition before she ruled on the First Nations case.

Those at the rally also expressed concern that Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP government don’t understand the treaties.

“The treaties in Alberta are not optional agreements,“ said rally organizer Nicole Johnston. ”They are constitutionally protected commitments between First Nations and the Crown.

“Any proposal for Alberta separation, including those associated with Danielle Smith, cannot bypass these obligations,” Johnston added. “Ignoring treaty rights would raise serious legal and ethical issues as they require Indigenous consent and federal involvement.”

Organizers said they expect to hold rallies like Saturday’s toward the end of each month up until July.

With files from CTV News’ Timm Bruch