Indigenous leaders send strong message about sovereignty acts

Indigenous leaders are sending a strong message about where they stand with Alberta’s sovereignty law.

“We are asking that Saskatchewan and Alberta’s sovereignty law be withdrawn,” said Arthur Noskey, Grand Chief of Treaty 8.

Both Prairie provinces have enacted legislation that allows them to reject federal legislation if they don’t feel it aligns with their respective province’s needs.

Alberta’s sovereignty law – officially called the Alberta Sovereignty Under a United Canada Act – has attracted international attention since it was introduced and passed by the legislature last week after several rounds of changes.

The Alberta NDP continues to vote on opposition to the act.

Indigenous leaders say the law is an infringement on treaty rights, and, as the Edmonton Journal reported, Lt. Governor Salma Lakhani to step in.

The Journal reported that Noskey and others were scheduled to meet with Lakhani on Monday afternoon. Global News could not confirm whether this meeting took place, but Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson said consultations were continuing.

Global News reached out to Noskey but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

“We’re not taking away from some Chiefs’ concerns, but some say it’s also going to help with a fight against Ottawa,” Wilson said.

NDP Indigenous Relations critic Richard Freehan disputed Wilson’s claim that treaty leaders were in favor of the law.

“They call me often. I have not heard of a single nation supporting the act so far,” he said.

“This disaster of a bill rests with the government – they must step up and remove this bill. It must not go to the lieutenant governor,” he added, passing the torch of responsibility to the UCP government.

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