First Nations chiefs open to engaging in 'civil disobedience' if Alberta referendum proceeds
Several First Nations chiefs say they are willing to block infrastructure if Alberta's referendum on separation proceeds without consultation.
On Friday's live stream, Tamara Ugolini, Drea Humphrey, and Tamara Lich reacted to First Nations chiefs in Western Canada asserting that "civil disobedience" may be required to fight against Alberta's upcoming referendum on separation.
Treaty 8 chiefs warned on Thursday that they could mobilize to block highways or industry points if Alberta proceeds with its province-wide referendum on separation 'without consultation' in October.
Lich reacted to the apparent double standard in terms of authorities targeting her for peaceful protest while others threaten to block highways.
"I just want you guys to imagine for one second, if I went online and said if I didn't get my way, I was going to block a highway. The cops would be at my door and I'd be being flown back to Ottawa again," she said.
"We definitely cannot make these kinds of threats, especially over a question, it's literally over a question. Now that's mischief. I was charged with mischief, I was charged with counselling others to commit the offense of mischief ... to me this sounds like threats of mischief, or premeditated mischief, or counselling others to commit mischief, it's not civil disobedience," Lich continued.
Premier Smith responded to the chiefs' threats, asserting that the rule of law will be enforced if civil disobedience occurs over the Alberta referendum, as detailed by the CBC. Speaking to reporters Friday, the premier cited the province's critical infrastructure defence law, which imposes additional penalties on protesters blocking essential infrastructure like highways or railways.
"I think you saw how serious we are about enforcing that law as we have many times over previous years," she said.
The Alberta referendum is set to take place on October 19, which will include a question asking residents whether they wish to remain in Canada or begin the constitutional process for a binding separation vote.
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COMMENTS
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Susan Ashbrook commented 2026-06-06 23:31:12 -0400Mr. Jatzeck:
Yes, “Four legs good, two legs bad”! I’ve never seen a four legged Indian, however, as you point out, they must exist! -
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-06-06 23:23:31 -0400Ms. Ashbrook:
Just remember those famous words from a certain novel by Eric Blair (better known by his pen name George Orwell): “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” -
Susan Ashbrook commented 2026-06-06 22:51:43 -0400Do the First Nations members get to vote in the vote whether or not to have a referendum? If so then they get their fair say in this. One Canadian, one vote… same as for all Canadians. There is no reason that 3% of Albertans can determine the future of all of Alberta. I would suspect that they are just afraid of loosing their Liberal Gravy Train!
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-06-06 17:21:40 -0400It worked so well a few years ago when railways were blocked…..