Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta has officially changed its name to Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations. Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi says the change was made in response to “unprecedented threats” to its treaty being fostered by the Alberta government. Several First Nations in Alberta are currently embroiled in a court battle with separatist groups over the right for a question on Alberta separation to appear on the upcoming referendum. “Our Nations were sovereign long before the creation of Alberta, and no government has the authority to diminish our Treaty rights,” Mercredi said in a news release. “This name reflects who we have always been: sovereign Nations united by Treaty No. 8. This historic change sends a clear message that we will stand together and defend our Treaty, our people, and our future.” The resolution was passed unanimously during the 2026 annual general meeting held earlier this week. Treaty 8 was signed in 1899, six years before Alberta became a province.
