To: The Chiefs of Treaties Six, Seven, and Eight, from the Being Good Relations Network
(Please see this article outlining the chiefs’ concerns with Alberta’s proposed referendum on separating from Canada.)
Solidarity with your call for Alberta to respect Treaty
Greetings to you, Chief Desjarlais, Chief Weaselhead, and Chief Courtoreille
We are the Leadership Group of the “Being Good Relations Network “of the United Church of Canada in Alberta, Northeast BC, and the North West Territories. Our mission is to encourage learning about the issues that Indigenous people face in Alberta and to work together towards mutually respectful, just, anti-racist and harmonious relationships on Treaty lands. We are responsible for educating ourselves and our communities of faith.
We believe that maintaining our commitment to reconciliation is important and on-going in response to the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and within the framework of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. That is why we are writing this letter to express solidarity with you.
We also assert with you that treaties are not relics of the past. They are living, breathing agreements made between the Crown and Indigenous tribes in the 1800’s onwards to exist in perpetuity. To see Treaty chiefs walk out of a meeting, to hear your call for respect and justice is prophetic at the least.
We take this moment to deepen our public discipleship and allyship in reconciliation. Although Premier Smith professes to not support separation, her introduction of Bill 54 says otherwise. Treaties are of ultimate concern as are natural resource transfer agreements.
Bill 54 would lower the threshold for citizen-based initiatives and Indigenous people would suffer at the hands of white power and privilege that wishes to control the narrative. It is a waste of time, money, and energy when so many other important problems worsen and remain unaddressed. We stand opposed to this bill with all of you, the First Nations Chiefs from Treaty 6, 7 and 8.
We urge Premier Smith and the Alberta Government to think more deeply and respectfully about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and work more diligently on issues itemized in the mandate letter of the Minister of Indigenous Relations in consultation with Treaty offices. True reconciliation would be to give First Nations people a share of the natural resources of the land. Premier Smith and her cabinet must denounce separation clearly, unequivocally, and immediately. There is no legal justification for ignoring the treaties in Canada because treaties were entered into with the Crown, not the provinces or territories.
We support National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak who says all First Nations are standing firm against any discussion of separation.
The rhetoric and absurdity of the separation of Alberta from the rest of Canada has united First Nations people across Alberta and indeed, across Canada. We stand united with them. We want the voices of Indigenous people to be heard so that you are a part of all decisions that are made concerning your future.
The time has come for Alberta and Canada to move beyond colonial frameworks and honour the truth of Indigenous peoples’ history by respecting the rights of First Nation peoples.
In peace and friendship,
On behalf of the Being Good Relations Network of the United Church of Canada in Alberta
Sharon Woodhouse (Treaty 7, Calgary); Rev. Shane Goldie (Treaty 6, Spruce Grove)
Rev. Cecile Fausak (Treaty 6, Lacombe); Mary Shearer (Treaty 6, Edmonton)
Johanna Pritchard (Treaty 7, Lethbridge)
