Last Updated on April 16, 2026
Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy are backing a court-ordered pause on a citizen-led petition seeking a referendum on Alberta separation, saying the move is needed to protect Treaty rights and allow for proper legal review.
In a recent statement, the Chiefs said they “acknowledge the decision of the Court of King’s Bench granting a stay on the certification of a citizen led petition,” describing it as “a necessary step in ensuring that the constitutional and Treaty-based relationship governing these lands is upheld.”
The ruling, issued April 10, halts the certification of petition results and prevents further progress toward a referendum until the court resolves legal challenges brought by First Nations, including the Blackfoot Confederacy and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.
According to the statement, the court found that concerns raised by First Nations warrant serious consideration, including whether the Crown fulfilled its duty to consult and whether the process infringes on constitutionally protected Treaty rights.
“The Court also recognized that allowing the process to proceed without review presents the risk of ongoing and irreparable harm to Treaty relationships,” the Chiefs said.
The Blackfoot Confederacy emphasized that any discussion of Alberta’s political future must include First Nations as full participants, rejecting efforts to separate provincial political debates from Treaty obligations.
“The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy reject any approach that advances this process without the full and meaningful involvement of First Nations,” the statement said. “Efforts to equate provincial political disputes with the inherent and constitutionally protected rights of First Nations misrepresent the legal foundation of this country.”
The statement also underscored that Treaty relationships predate the province itself, asserting that “those advancing Alberta separation continue to live, work, and build their lives here because of Treaty… and that foundation cannot be ignored or displaced.”
The Confederacy expressed solidarity with Treaty 8 First Nations involved in the legal challenge, including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation.
“This decision affirms that the future of these lands cannot move forward without the First Nations whose rights and responsibilities are anchored in Treaty,” the Chiefs said, adding that First Nations “must be directly involved in any decisions that affect their lands and future.”
The Chiefs concluded by reaffirming that Treaty 7 remains a binding and living agreement.
“Blackfoot Treaty 7 remains a living agreement that continues to guide how this territory is shared and governed,” the statement said. “The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy will ensure that any path forward is grounded in that reality.”
The court’s final decision on the legal challenges is pending.
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