First Nation chief challenges Alberta separation petition in court, citing treaty rights

The chief of a First Nation seeking a court injunction against a citizen-led petition on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada says legal action was necessary to defend treaty rights.

Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation said the constitutional challenge targets the province’s citizen-initiated referendum process, which he argues could affect First Nations without proper consultation. According to statements made at the start of the hearing, Sunshine said the case is about ensuring treaty obligations are upheld.

A court hearing began Tuesday and is expected to include arguments from multiple First Nations also challenging the referendum framework. The case centres on whether the process allowing citizen-driven referendums complies with constitutional protections for Indigenous rights.

The group organizing the separation referendum campaign has said it has already collected more than enough signatures to trigger a provincewide vote, ahead of a May deadline to submit names to Elections Alberta. Those claims have not been independently verified in court proceedings.