By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News ( Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta\u2019s grand chief has written an open letter to Premier Danielle Smith calling on her to cancel October\u2019s referendum on whether to pursue a future independence referendum. \u201cWe state this plainly so that there can be no misunderstanding: there is no lawful path by which Alberta can pursue separation from Canada while bypassing the rights, consent, and constitutional status of Treaty 8 First Nations,\u201d wrote Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi in the June 3 correspondence. \u201cThat consent has not been sought. It has not been given. Nor will it be given under duress or through any process designed to circumvent our constitutional rights.\u201d On Oct. 19, Albertans will be asked: \u201cShould Alberta remain a province… <\/p>\n
By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News ( Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta\u2019s grand chief has written an open letter to Premier Danielle Smith calling on her to cancel October\u2019s referendum on whether to pursue a future independence referendum. \u201cWe state this plainly so that there can be no misunderstanding: there is no lawful path by which Alberta can pursue separation from Canada while bypassing the rights, consent, and constitutional status of Treaty 8 First Nations,\u201d wrote Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi in the June 3 correspondence. \u201cThat consent has not been sought. It has not been given. Nor will it be given under duress or through any process designed to circumvent our constitutional rights.\u201d On Oct. 19, Albertans will be asked: \u201cShould Alberta remain a province... <\/p>\n