Chief criticizes province after minister skips Treaty 6's 150th event
Grand Chief Joey Pete says the absence of Alberta's Indigenous relations minister from a Treaty 6 anniversary ceremony reflects poorly on the province's priorities amid separation talk.
Why it matters
The absence highlights ongoing tension between the province and First Nations leaders over consultation amid separation and pipeline debates.
An Alberta chief is calling for greater respect from the provincial government after Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney missed a ceremony in Edmonton marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6. Joey Pete, grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, said the lack of representation from Premier Danielle Smith's government "says a lot."
Sunday's event was hosted by the City of Edmonton and Mayor Andrew Knack at city hall, where Indigenous dignitaries took part in ceremonies and officials from various levels of government delivered speeches. It marked the start of a week of commemorations in Edmonton, including a re-enactment of the original signing, with further events planned this weekend at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, where the treaty was signed.
Pete said Alberta's ongoing separation referendum discussion and talk of new pipelines are major concerns, but said the province has not made time to meet with First Nations leaders. Sawhney's office said the minister was away but remains committed to maintaining strong relationships, calling the anniversary a significant milestone for reflecting on history while looking ahead.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.