The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is praising a Court of King’s Bench decision that quashed a proposed Alberta separation referendum initiative.
The Alberta court ruled the provincial government failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult First Nations before approving a petition seeking a referendum on Alberta independence.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says the ruling reinforces the strength of Treaty rights.
“Despite Alberta’s sudden and underhanded changes to legislation this past year to allow a referendum on the question of Alberta separation, this attempt has failed,” Cameron said.
He added the decision is “another victory for First Nations in the courts” and a reminder that Treaties are international law.
The ruling halted the petition’s signature verification process and removed the proposed referendum question from Alberta’s planned October 2026 ballot.
Cameron also said the decision should send a message to Saskatchewan leaders considering similar discussions.
“Any attempt to pursue separation or constitutional change must not proceed without the inclusion of, and the free, prior, and informed consent of, First Nations,” he said.