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

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.”