First Nation chiefs and leaders, including representatives of Maskwacis, gathered on Parliament Hill May 26 and 27 during King Charles' visit to Canada, to reaffirm their sovereignty and nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown.
The King and Queen Camilla were received by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indigenous leaders upon their in Ottawa Monday morning, marking the royals' first visit to the country as king and queen.
As one of the invited guests, Dr. Wilton Littlechild of Ermineskin Cree Nation and former TRC commissioner, was presented with a King Charles III Commemorative Medal during the royal visit, in recognition of his contributions.
Tensions between the Government of Alberta and First Nations in Treaty 6 Territory have been on the rise since Bill 54 was tabled by the UCP government on April 29.
“As separatist rhetoric grows louder in Alberta, we remind Canada and the Crown that our relationship is not with provinces — it is with the Crown itself. The presence of King Charles III in Canada is a moment to reflect on that sacred relationship and to remind Canada of its Treaty obligations," said Confederacy of Treaty No.6 First Nations Grand Chief Desjarlais in a press release on May 26.
“Any conversation about sovereignty, nation-to-nation relationships, and these sacred Lands must begin with the recognition of Treaty — not as history, but as a living, binding agreement between sovereign Nations and the Crown," said Desjarlais.
"Treaties 1 through 11 were made between sovereign First Nations and the Crown," the release states. "These agreements were signed long before Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba became part of Canada. These Treaties are sacred agreements meant to last as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow."
Earlier this month, the chiefs of the Four Nations of Maskwacis released an open letter to Premiere Danielle Smith denouncing Bill 54, stating the bill "aims to mitigate the riles around constitutional referendums, to allow for 'citizen-led' referendums on Alberta separation."
"Bill 54 is an unmistakable attempt on your part to flirt with the concept of Alberta separation for your own personal political gains," the letter continued.
"Further, there can be no citizen-led' referendum on Alberta separation. The treaties are sacred agreements entered into with the Crown and they continue in perpetuity. Our treaties cannot be altered without our agreement."
On May 15, First Nations representatives of Treaty 6, 7 and 8, held a peaceful demonstration at the Alberta Legislature Building.
The confederacy said the protest was the start of a treaty movement in opposition to the province's 'separatist agenda' stating Bill was is "an attack on Inherent and Treaty Rights, but Alberta’s actions are illegal and bring Dishonour to the Crown."
The May 26 press release from the confederacy concluded, "The Treaty Nations are calling upon King Charles III, as the representative of the Crown, to uphold binding inherent and treaty right obligations, and the implementation of those sacred rights."
"Our treaties are of international law, made with the British Crown, and we are optimistic that King Charles III will come meet us on Treaty 6 territory in 2026 to honour the 150th Anniversary of Treaty signing at Fort Carlton," said Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron.
King Carles delivered the throne speech in Ottawa on May 27, marking nearly 70 years since his mother Queen Elizabeth II first opened Parliament in 1957.
Carney said Monday a royal visit is "a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown."
“This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify," Carney said.
“Canada’s strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French, and Indigenous roots – the union of peoples that forms our bedrock. Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation, and truly multicultural."
- With files from Black Press Media
