Smith apologizes for First Nations comments; chiefs say premier does not respect Treaty 6 rights

The Confederacy of Treaty 6 Nations says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith does not respect treaty rights.

Chiefs from Treaty 6 territory met for the first time with Smith Wednesday – the meeting was scheduled before Smith became premier this fall.

In a brief statement issued after the meeting, the Confederacy of Treaty 6 Nations said, “it was clear from our discussions that Premier Smith does not understand Treaty or our inherent rights nor does she respect them.”

The chiefs have been calling on Alberta to scrap its sovereignty act, which they say is an infringement on treaty rights.

They said meeting with Smith is not considered appropriate consultation on the act.

“This does not, in any way or sense, constitute her duty to consult with regard to any matters of mutual concern,” the Confederacy said in a statement. “Further, we urged the current provincial leadership to withdraw and reconsider any legislation that pretends jurisdiction over Treaty Lands and Peoples.

“We do not agree that an invitation on the day of the Throne Speech is an inclusive approach to hearing Albertans and Indigenous voices in a meaningful way for such a dangerous piece of legislation.

“The Premier will not dictate how we will be consulted – we point her once again to the duty to consult to learn more about how to engage and work with us appropriately.”

Sovereignty and Reconciliation: Alberta Treaty chiefs prepared to challenge it in courts if needed

Earlier this week Smith made comments that many interpreted as equating Ottawa’s treatment of Alberta to the systemic and horrific abuse of Canada’s First Nations.

Smith apologized Wednesday, saying that was not her intention and that she was merely stating both Alberta and First Nations share a common adversary as they assert independence in their areas of authority.

The Opposition NDP says Smith’s remarks demonstrate an appalling lack of understanding of the historical mistreatment suffered by Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

—With files from The Canadian Press