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King expresses concern over Alberta secession threat
King Charles III conveyed unease about Alberta's separatist movement during a meeting with Indigenous leaders at Buckingham Palace this week, according to First Nations chiefs who attended the discussion.
First Nations delegation raises treaty concerns
Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations said the delegation informed the King of the "threat" the separatist movement poses to century-old treaties between First Nations and the Crown. The chiefs requested a Royal Proclamation to reaffirm these agreements and the rights they guarantee.
"It was a significant meeting, as Treaty partners and equals,"
Grand Chief Joey Pete
Pete added that the King listened intently, asked detailed questions, and "committed to learning more" about the issue.
Legal challenges and political tensions
First Nations leaders in Alberta have opposed the separatist push, with some filing lawsuits. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) sued the Alberta government, arguing that a petition to force a secession referendum violates its treaty rights under Treaty No. 8, signed in northern Alberta.
The lawsuit claims Alberta has treated SLCN "as though they are chattel on the land" rather than sovereign partners. Treaty rights are constitutionally protected in Canada, governing the relationship between First Nations and the federal government.
Alberta government responds to allegations
Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said she would meet with Chief Pete to discuss the treaty violations but disputed the allegations, stating, "At this point, I don't agree with these allegations."
Earlier this week, First Nations leaders gathered at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton to demand Premier Danielle Smith halt the referendum and face a no-confidence vote. Smith's party blocked the motion.
Separatist movement gains momentum
The Alberta Prosperity Project, leading the secession campaign, argues the province would thrive financially as an independent nation. Separatist sentiments in Alberta stem from long-standing grievances over federal underrepresentation despite the province's oil wealth.
Under Alberta's Referendum Act, organizers must collect 177,732 valid signatures by May to trigger a referendum. The group claims it will surpass this threshold.
Prime Minister's upcoming meeting with the King
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet King Charles III on Monday during a UK visit. Carney told reporters the King had engaged in a "fulsome" discussion with the chiefs, hinting at further talks on the matter.
Buckingham Palace has not yet commented on the meeting.
