Danielle Smith, though she would say otherwise, is creating a path to separation, in Alberta. She has lowered the number of signatures required to set off a referendum and she is extended the signing period. Danielle is just saying that she is simply adhering to the will of the people. Cough, cough, BS cough cough.

First Nations, in Alberta, and throughout Canada are saying ‘ just hold on there Missy’. They add, ‘first of all what you are doing is just plain silly and second of all you haven’t even consulted with us on this’.

AFN National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, issued the following statement.

“Any proposed separation of Alberta from Canada would be fundamentally illegitimate and unconstitutional without the explicit, prior, informed and collective consent of the First Nations whose lands and rights predate the formation of the province and of Canada.”

I can tell you, right now, First Nations will never give that consent.

Canada entered a number of treaties with First Nations within the geographical boundaries of the three Prairie provinces, before those provinces became provinces. Those treaties include, Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8. In 1930, Canada signed an agreement with the three provinces, called the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA). Under this agreement, Canada transferred Crown land and natural resources to the three Prairie provinces. However, there was no consultation with First Nations and there was no consent given by First Nations.

First Nations wants this agreement reviewed. It is their stance that,

“The numbered Treaties, including 6, 7 and 8, did not surrender First Nations title to natural resources.”

The National Chief goes on to say

“On the contrary, these agreements recognize the inherent rights of First Nations to manage and benefit from lands and waters within their territories. Unilateral imposition of the NRTA undermines the solemn promises of these treaties and stands in direct conflict with the Honour of the Crown.”

Danielle, you just opened up a Pandora!s box of headache and misery.

That is all I have for today.