Premier Smith Dismisses Treaty Chiefs' Treason Accusations

Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday that a group of Indigenous chiefs need to "check themselves" after accusing her of potential treasonous activity for calling a separation vote.

The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing First Nations across Alberta, unanimously voted this week to ask RCMP to look into whether the province's fall referendum amounts to criminal treason by Smith and her United Conservative Party. The chiefs said organizing the vote is an intentional treaty violation and that Smith's government is ignoring serious risks to Canada's sovereignty.

The chiefs, representing Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 territories, referenced the historical commitment made when their treaties were signed — that the RCMP, then the North West Mounted Police, would ensure the safety of First Nations while the Crown promised goodwill in exchange for sharing the land.

At a news conference in Calgary, Smith dismissed the chiefs' statement. "I think it's disgraceful that any government that wants to be taken seriously would level the charges that serious against another government," she said. "I've had my differences with the federal government, but I have never used language like that."

Smith said she wants a continued collaborative relationship with the treaty chiefs, but "this kind of overwrought language has no place in a democracy."

Albertans are to vote October 19 on whether they want to remain in Canada or start the process to hold a second, binding referendum on the province quitting Canada. An RCMP spokesperson said the force is aware of the chiefs' statement and is reviewing the request for an investigation but couldn't comment further.