The CBC ran a short piece entitled “Alberta separation threatening 150 years of Treaty 6”.

While Alberta’s independence may threaten the future of Canada’s state broadcaster, it poses no threat to any existing treaties, including Treaty 6.

Many substantive changes in government structure have happened since the signing of Treaty 6, and the treaty has remained intact. Alberta and Saskatchewan were formed in 1905, and nothing changed with the treaty. The Natural Resources Transfer Act in 1930 gave provinces control over Crown land and resources, and it didn’t impact the treaties. The patriation of the Constitution in 1982 gave Canada full sovereignty from the UK, and it didn’t impact the treaties.

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The treaties are lasting contracts that bind the government of the day, even after governments change. They would remain intact if and when Alberta were to become independent. In fact, the treaties are essential documents for independence as they offer tangible proof that Indigenous people forever ceded over 98% of Alberta’s landmass. They counter the misplaced claim that the treaties were about sharing rather than surrendering the land.

In the more immediate term, the referendum choice facing Albertans is whether or not to formally begin the path toward a binding independence referendum. The choice Albertans make (including Indigenous voters) on October 19th will not impact treaties in any way, nor would a future choice on a binding referendum. Contracts and treaties around the world have withstood fluid borders, and treaties within Alberta will do the same.