EDMONTON — Alberta’s premier is taking a hands-off approach to a First Nation defying her government by announcing it will offer safe haven for gender-affirming medical care. Danielle Smith says she doesn’t have any authority over the First Nation and respects its sovereignty. A day earlier, the Saddle Lake Cree Nation announced its safe haven plan, saying it is guaranteed by treaty and within its jurisdiction. Alberta law prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to transgender and gender diverse children under age 16. The premier has said her law is about protecting children and their fertility. But Saddle Lake Chief Dale Steinhauer calls the law dehumanizing and says they won’t allow children and families to lose their rights. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
