First Nation challenges Alberta's separatist referendum in court

A First Nation in Alberta has initiated court proceedings to halt a separatist push for the province to secede from Canada. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation argues that the proposed referendum would violate their treaty rights, calling the movement "consummately irresponsible and dishonourable."

The separatist group, Stay Free Alberta, claims to have gathered nearly 180,000 signatures to request a referendum on whether Alberta should cease to be part of Canada. This campaign has gained traction amid frustrations over federal payments and the perceived inability to access fossil fuel markets. The hearing began this week and is expected to last three days.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith previously reduced the number of signatures required for a constitutional referendum from 588,000 to approximately 178,000. The proposed referendum, scheduled for October, would include questions on immigration, healthcare, and the constitution, alongside the secession question.

The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, one of 39 nations that signed Treaty No. 8 in 1899, contends that Alberta's actions disregard their treaty rights. They assert, "Alberta has treated [Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation] as though they are chattel on the land," and they are seeking a court ruling to reinstate constitutional requirements for citizen-initiated petitions.

The First Nation has also expressed concerns about foreign influence, citing past covert meetings between separatist activists and members of the Trump administration. The judge overseeing the case is expected to deliver a ruling on May 2, coinciding with the deadline for signature collection.