Treaty Chiefs say nation-to-nation talks needed on natural resource jurisdiction

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“Treaty leaders are fully aware of Canada’s and Alberta’s actions toward domestic nation-building,” says Chief Joel Mykat, Ermineskin Cree Nation.

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“We assert that the outstanding issues surrounding the NRTA, and the continued denial of Treaty jurisdiction, create instability and hinder economic progress. Chiefs are putting industry and investors on notice: this issue will not go away and must be addressed.”

Ermineskin Cree Nation is 40 minutes north of Red Deer, part of Treaty 6, which includes the city of Red Deer north of the Red Deer River.

“The Governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba continue to act in blatant disregard of the legal and inherent authority of Treaty Nations over our lands,” adds Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi of Treaty 8 First Nations, in Alberta’s north.

“These actions undermine the very foundations of Canada. Treaty jurisdiction and sovereignty are not negotiable, and threats to the rights and futures of First Nations will not be tolerated.”

In a statement provided to rdnewsNOW, Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, says any change would require collaborative steps by multiple levels of government.

“When decisions within provincial jurisdiction have the potential to impact constitutionally protected rights, Alberta’s government has a duty to consult with First Nations,” Sawhney says.

“Alberta’s government values its relationships with First Nations and has established processes for engagement and consultation, including mechanisms for First Nations to bring issues and concerns to the government’s attention. These processes continue to guide how Alberta’s government engages on matters within provincial jurisdiction.”

rdnewsNOW also received a statement on this matter from Natural Resources Canada, in which it acknowledges the concerns raised by Treaty Chiefs.

“Treaty rights are recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Canada acknowledges that Indigenous peoples hold deeply rooted and differing perspectives on how the NRTAs were implemented and their ongoing impacts on treaty relationships,” the ministry says.

“The federal government continues to engage with Indigenous partners on treaty implementation, reconciliation, and outstanding historic and constitutional issues. This work is guided by Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act which provides a framework for advancing respectful, cooperative, and enduring nation‑to‑nation relationships.”

The Chiefs say they are calling for the full repudiation of the NRTA and its purpose, along with immediate next steps from all levels of government.