National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) says Alberta politicians talking about independence are ignoring the country’s founding promises.Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters Monday that Premier Danielle Smith’s new referendum bill, which lets voters launch plebiscites on issues up to and including leaving Canada, is “not smart” and “deeply irresponsible.”“Treaties came long before Alberta became a province,” said Nepinak. “They can’t be torn up because someone is upset with Ottawa.”Smith has framed the legislation as a way to give residents a greater voice, arguing frustration with federal energy and tax policies is widespread and not limited to the “fringe.” The premier has not endorsed independence but says Albertans deserve the right to debate it..Nepinak countered that First Nations never surrendered their inherent rights to land or resources and would have to be asked before any constitutional change. “You are not going to take any treaty land,” said Nepinak. “If you want to leave, you can take the dirt your ancestors packed in their suitcases, but that’s it.”Woodhouse Nepinak said the AFN will meet later this month to come up with a response if the bill passes. “We’ve protected these lands for generations,” said Nepinak. “We’re prepared to do it again.”
