Treaty 6 Nation sues Alberta over treaty breach in sovereignty act

Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan has taken legal action against the Saskatchewan First bill and Alberta’s sovereignty act.

The Treaty 6 Nation filed a statement of claim against Alberta for the Alberta sovereignty under a united Canada act on Monday, saying it is a breach of treaty and constitutional rights.

The sovereignty act was introduced into legislature Nov. 29 by newly appointed Premier Danielle Smith. The Alberta legislature passed the act on Dec. 8 after a heavy debate.

A statement of claim is a civil lawsuit, to which the province has 20 days to respond.

Treaty Nations first publicly rejected both bills on Dec. 12 on the grounds that both pieces of legislation “are in violation of our Treaties and are also contrary to Canada’s constitution.”

In a statement issued Monday, Okimaw (Chief) Lewis from Onion Lake Cree Nation said they “have no choice but to use the colonial courts to defend our treaty rights and sovereign jurisdiction as Alberta has passed this law without any consultation from our Nation.

“In fact, there is no evidence of consultation in the debates, Hansards or elsewhere, that Alberta sought any input from Indigenous peoples and treaty nations.”

Smith has denied allegations that the province did not consult with the nations and Indigenous community over the matter.

“We don’t comment on ongoing…