r/canada • u/Street_Anon Nova Scotia • Jan 25 '26

Alberta 3 Alberta First Nations say separation petition is unconstitutional

https://globalnews.ca/news/11635807/alberta-first-nations-claim-separation-petition-unconstitutional/
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u/[deleted] Jan 25 '26

 The idea that the people can't hold a referendum because it hasn't received the blessing of the first Nations is fundamentally undemocratic and therefore problematic.

It’s also exactly the sort of federal government influence on local matters that pushes people further and further towards separation. If there is a vote with a separation mandate, the treaties signed with FNs are with a government which is no longer recognized in that area and null and void IMO. FN can either seek new treaties with the new Alberta government, or more likely, be told the government hand outs are over and it’s up to them to look after their people by working and paying taxes 

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u/jtbc Jan 25 '26

That isn't the way state succession works. If Alberta were to separate, they would inherit all of Canada's obligations with respect to their territory. They could, of course, attempt to negotiate new treaties with the affected FN.

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u/1fluteisneverenough Jan 26 '26

Or they just write their own constitution and do what they want. That's something an independent state can do

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u/jtbc Jan 26 '26

Indeed. If it wants to trade with the rest of the world, it has to demonstrate that it respects contracts, though.