First Nations Challenge Alberta Independence Referendum

0:00Three First Nations groups just wrapped up their court arguments in Edmonton against the petition pushing for an Alberta-independent's referendum. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Athabasca Chippewaian First Nation, and the Blackfoot Confederacy are challenging the approval of the Citizen Initiative by Stéphory Alberta, which claims they have gathered nearly 178,000 signatures already. They're arguing it violates treaty rights and recent changes to the Citizen Initiative Act, Dodge a Prior Court ruling. Earlier this week, lawyers for Sturgeon Lake Cree sought an injunction to block those legislative tweaks, while the other two nations won Judicial. Reviews to scrap the petition's approval and halt signature collection. They say proceeding risks irreparable harm by messing with their treaties and traditional lands, potentially splitting territories with new borders if, separation happens. The province fired back Thursday, calling the challenges premature, since it's just the petition stage, not a full referendum.

1:01Government lawyers insist no duty to consult indigenous groups kicks in yet, as this is more political talk than direct action on rights or resources. They point out Alberta can't unilaterally break the Constitution anyway. Stéphory Alberta sighed echo that, with their lawyers stressing the process is purely political right now, no real harm to treaties and courts. What step in later if needed? One agrees, Judicial Reviews stays open down the line. Justice Shina Leonard reserved her decision Thursday, promising a quick ruling on whether to pause the petition. Despite highlights deep tensions over sovereignty and treaties, with eyes on how it shapes Alberta's next moves, you've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.