Nation advances constitutional challenge of Alberta “Sovereignty Act”, confronting separatist rhetoric

Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) is advancing its litigation against the Government of Alberta in its constitutional challenge of the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act (Sovereignty Act). Yesterday afternoon OLCN requested Premier Smith’s government to file their Statement of Defence, forcing Alberta to defend its position in passing the Sovereignty Act and relying on it to encourage separatism. At a press conference near the Alberta Legislature, Onion Lake announced it is moving its litigation forward in response to the Premier’s ongoing rhetoric of entertaining a separation vote.

“Onion Lake Cree Nation will not stand by and allow the Premier to fuel ongoing rhetoric of Alberta separation,” says Okimaw (Chief) Henry Lewis. “Alberta must be reminded that our Treaty relationship is paramount and our rights, which are constitutionally protected, will not be run roughshod over by a provincial government that didn’t exist when we entered into Treaty No. 6, in 1876.

“Onion Lake is prepared to defend our Treaty, our People and Lands to ensure that our constitutionally recognized and protected rights are not trampled on by a separatist agenda. Our Treaty and the Constitution take precedence over any idea of Alberta Sovereignty or separation. This divisive separatist talk further fuels and undermines the Treaty relationship we have with the Crown and the constitutional order in Canada.

“Onion Lake Cree Nation has been clear from the outset that the Province of Alberta does not have jurisdiction over Treaty lands or Treaty Peoples. Any attempt by Alberta to assert exclusive control over these Lands is a violation of international law, Canadian Constitutional law, and of Treaty. This is about protecting our future, our Lands, and our Treaty.”