By Lisa Johnson An Alberta First Nation says it aims to defy Premier Danielle Smith’s government by establishing a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care — contrary to provincial law. Saddle Lake Cree Nation says access to health care is a treaty right and falls under its inherent jurisdiction. Late last year, Smith’s United Conservative Party government used the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to shield its law from court challenges. The law prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to transgender and gender diverse children under 16. The premier has said it’s about protecting children and their fertility. But doctors and national medical associations have pushed back, noting puberty blockers don’t render a person infertile. Chief Dale Steinhauer said the law is one of many that are dehumanizing, and…
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