AFN warns treaty rights must be protected as First Nations chiefs from across Canada urge federal and provincial governments to reaffirm their commitment to Indigenous agreements amid growing discussions around Alberta separatism.
The issue was brought forward during the AFN Annual General Assembly, where chiefs from across the country said treaty rights remain constitutionally protected regardless of any political movement or debate surrounding provincial separation. Leaders emphasized that Indigenous treaties are agreements with the Crown and cannot be altered or ignored through provincial political decisions.
AFN Raises Concerns Over Alberta Separatism
The renewed push comes as conversations around Alberta’s future relationship with Canada have gained attention following calls from some political groups advocating for greater provincial autonomy or separation.
First Nations leaders say those discussions have created uncertainty about how treaty obligations would be respected if Alberta’s constitutional status were ever to change. The AFN argues that Indigenous Peoples must not be left out of conversations that could affect their rights, lands, and governance.
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said First Nations have legal and constitutional rights that cannot be set aside by political movements. Chiefs stressed that treaties existed long before current provincial boundaries and remain binding agreements between First Nations and the Crown.
The organization is urging governments to clearly communicate that treaty rights are not negotiable and will continue to be upheld regardless of changing political circumstances.
Chiefs Reaffirm Treaty Rights
Treaties signed between First Nations and the Crown form the foundation of Canada’s relationship with many Indigenous communities. These agreements cover issues including land, resource sharing, education, and other longstanding commitments.
Chiefs attending the assembly adopted a resolution calling on both Ottawa and provincial governments to defend these agreements and reject any suggestion that treaty rights could be weakened by separatist proposals.
Many leaders noted that treaty relationships extend beyond provincial governments and are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights.
They also emphasized that any discussions affecting Indigenous Peoples require meaningful consultation and cannot proceed without First Nations being directly involved.
Why First Nations Are Speaking Out
Indigenous leaders say the current debate is about more than politics. For many communities, treaty rights are directly connected to their identity, culture, governance, and access to traditional lands.
Chiefs expressed concern that public conversations about constitutional change often overlook Indigenous voices, despite the legal obligations governments have toward First Nations.
Several speakers at the assembly pointed out that reconciliation requires governments to honour existing treaty commitments rather than creating uncertainty around them. They argued that respecting treaties is essential to maintaining trust between Indigenous communities and governments across Canada.
The AFN also warned that any attempt to move forward with constitutional changes without First Nations’ participation would contradict Canada’s commitments to reconciliation and Indigenous rights.
Federal and Provincial Response
The federal government has consistently stated that treaty and Indigenous rights are constitutionally protected. While Ottawa has not indicated any change to its position, the AFN wants stronger public assurances in response to the recent separatism debate.
Provincial governments have also faced calls to clarify how they would protect treaty obligations if constitutional questions continue to emerge.
Political analysts note that Alberta separatism remains a divisive issue and does not currently represent official government policy. However, First Nations leaders believe now is the time to reinforce legal protections before uncertainty grows further.
The AFN says governments should work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure treaty commitments remain central to any future constitutional discussions.
What Happens Next?
The Assembly of First Nations plans to continue engaging with federal and provincial leaders in the coming months while monitoring political developments related to Alberta’s future.
Chiefs say their message is straightforward: treaty rights are not political bargaining tools and cannot be overridden by debates over provincial independence or constitutional reform.
As conversations about Alberta’s future continue, Indigenous leaders are making it clear that any discussion affecting First Nations must include them from the beginning. For the AFN, protecting treaties is not simply a legal obligation – it is a commitment that forms a fundamental part of Canada’s constitutional framework and its ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Shweta Malik is a content writer and journalist contributing to StudioX News. With a background in digital and print media—including reporting and editorial roles at Zee Media and The Tribune—she focuses on delivering engaging, original reporting. She holds an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kurukshetra University.
