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First Nations chiefs say civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds

  • Lisa Johnson

    Lisa Johnson

  • Canadian Press

  • June 4, 2026

Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi takes part in a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, April 13, 2026. The Mikisew Cree First Nation held the press conference to reveal the findings of a cancer health study. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

EDMONTON -- Treaty chiefs representing First Nations across the West say they are willing to carry out acts of civil disobedience if necessary to fight Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's separation vote.

And Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi has renewed a call for Smith to put a stop to an upcoming referendum on it.

He points to a recent court decision that stalled a separation petition drive on the grounds Smith's government did not fulfil its constitutional duty to consult First Nations, and calls the United Conservatives "lawless."

Mercredi says First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry, or, in his words, "getting out on the highway."

Smith has said she supports the province staying in Canada, but says Albertans deserve the opportunity to go to the ballot box and resolve the long running debate over its role in Confederation.

On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on whether to stay in Canada or to ask the province to lay the groundwork for a second referendum on quitting the country.

Treaty 8 territory spans northern Alberta, parts of the Northwest Territories, northwestern Saskatchewan and northeastern B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.