The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy acknowledge the decision of the Court of King’s Bench granting a stay on the certification of a citizen led petition seeking to advance a referendum on Alberta separation. This decision represents a necessary step in ensuring that the constitutional and Treaty-based relationship governing these lands is upheld and that matters of this magnitude are subject to full legal scrutiny.
On April 10, 2026, the Court confirmed that the issues raised by First Nations meet the threshold for serious consideration, including whether the Crown has fulfilled its duty to consult and whether the process infringes upon constitutionally protected Treaty rights. The stay prevents the Chief Electoral Officer from certifying the results of the petition and halts further advancement of the process until the Court has ruled on the applications brought forward by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy.
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 of the Blackfoot Confederacy reject any approach that advances this process without the full and meaningful involvement of First Nations. Efforts to equate provincial political disputes with the inherent and constitutionally protected rights of First Nations misrepresent the legal foundation of this country and disregard the role of Treaty as the basis upon which Alberta exists today. Those advancing Alberta separation continue to live, work, and build their lives here because of Treaty, which predates and underpins the formation of the Province of Alberta and Confederation, and that foundation cannot be ignored or displaced.
The Blackfoot Confederacy stands in full solidarity with Treaty 8 First Nations, including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, and Mikisew Cree First Nation, as well as all Treaty Nations advancing this matter. This decision affirms that the future of these lands cannot move forward without the First Nations whose rights and responsibilities are anchored in Treaty. First Nations must be directly involved in any decisions that affect their lands and future.
Blackfoot Treaty 7 remains a living agreement that continues to guide how this territory is shared and governed. The Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy will ensure that any path forward is grounded in that reality and carried out with the full participation, jurisdiction, and authority of the Niitsitapi.