Treaty Sovereign Chiefs stated clearly during a press conference recently they are unanimous in opposing the Alberta Sovereignty Act..On Wednesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with the Treaty Six Chiefs.."It was clear from our discussions Premier Smith does not understand Treaty or our inherent rights, nor does she respect them," Treaty Six Chiefs stated.."The premier will not dictate how we will be consulted.".The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations was created in 1993 to serve as the united political voice for the first nations of Treaty Six to protect the fundamental treaty and human rights of first nations peoples.."Our Treaty relationship is with the Crown, currently represented by King Charles III, while the federal government serves as a conduit. By using the word "sovereignty" in the name of this proposed act, Premier Smith should not pretend to have authority over sovereign first nations," Treaty Six Chiefs stated.."Treaty is the highest law to govern the land now known as Canada, its resources, and our peoples. We understand the proposed act as a ploy to access resources and extract them at an unrestricted rate, leaving the land unprotected.".“Earlier today, the premier had a meeting with the Treaty Six Chiefs to continue building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities across Alberta. We look forward to continued engagement as we work together towards reconciliation and addressing the issues faced by our indigenous and Metis communities," the Premier's Office told the Western Standard..Treaty Six Chiefs claimed legal academics across this country continue to share that this proposed act will be in direct conflict with Canada’s constitution and their treaty agreements..During question period on Wednesday, the Alberta NDP called for Smith to withdraw Bill 1 and apologize to First Nations.."My intention was to demonstrate the process our First Nations have gone through to develop sovereignty over affairs and extract themselves from the Indian Act is the process that we are following in going through and asserting our rights under the Constitution," Smith said.."I might take inspiration from what the First Nations have done and I'm looking forward to continue engaging in consulting with them.".Smith then apologized if her comments were "misconstrued."."I said my comments were misconstrued, I apologize, because my intention was to demonstrate the common problem with Ottawa," Smith said.."I respect the constitution, that we have a nation to nation relationship with First Nations and I'm looking forward to identify those areas that we can work with in partnership."
