Treaty 6 leaders raise Alberta separatism concerns during meeting with King Charles

The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations says Indigenous leaders raised concerns about Alberta separatism during a recent meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Grand Chief Joey Pete said the King was “very interested” in hearing directly from Treaty 6 leadership and listened closely as chiefs described issues affecting First Nations in the region, including political discussions in Alberta about possible separation from Canada.

Pete said the King expressed concern after hearing about the issue and told leaders he would seek to learn more. According to Pete, the discussion took place during a face-to-face meeting with the monarch at Buckingham Palace.

Pete also said he asked the King to consider issuing a royal proclamation reaffirming the sacred nature of Treaty 6 and the rights guaranteed under it. Treaty 6 is an agreement signed in 1876 between the Crown and several First Nations across what is now central Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Indigenous leaders also extended an invitation for King Charles to attend an event planned this summer in Saskatchewan marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6. It was not immediately clear whether the King plans to attend.