Alberta Independence is the greatest opportunity for First Nations since Contact. First Nations (FN) have options: 1. Status Quo and remain UNDER the jurisdiction of the CDN gov’t with their Reservations in Tact with the Indian Act. Fns would remain governed under the Indian Act that is now transitioning Sovereign Nations to a status less than a municipality. FNs will still have free movement across the jurisdictions and borders. There will be no changes to FN hunting, fishing or gathering rights. The difference will be that instead of stepping into the Province of Alberta when they step of the reservation, the jurisdiction will be the Republic of Alberta. May I remind you, that the Government of Alberta has a far better record in its treatment of Indigenous people than the record of the Canadian Government. The FN reserve land will still remain the property of the Government of Canada. 2. In the Republic of Alberta, The FNs will be free of the Indian Act. The First Nations could negotiate amendments to their treaties to update them to 2026. First Nations could add Amendments to their treaties. -Environment Protection Amendments -Water rights guaranteed -Unrestricted right to their hunting rifles. In 1899, the idea that the government could restrict your firearms was unthinkable, to even have a license was unimaginable, but here were are. -Reinstatement of the unrestricted traditional tobacco trade, one of the herbs we use in our religion, which the Feds, promised to never interfere with, but here we are with restrictions on tobacco and outright banning of tobacco. 3. In the Republic of Alberta, First Nations could have the same terms as with the Government of Canada but with the Republic, they could renegotiate the “Indian Act” 4. In the Republic of Alberta, the boldest FNs could seek a whole new relationship with the republic of Alberta. Free from all constraints of the Indian Act. FNs could demand to administer all their programming, that is currently administered by the Feds. They could demand full responsibility over their budgets. They could demand a transfer of all Indian Trust funds to their nation to administer and invest themselves. There are options. It is up to the First Nations to decide which option they choose. First Nations do have a seat at the table, it behooves them to prepare for it. The First Nations Chiefs and Band Councils should be studying their options. Frivolous lawsuits that waste the resources of the bands to score some points with the Federal Government is a complete failure of leadership. Many of the First Nations succumbed to the fear of the covid con. I expect more from leaders. I expect actual leadership that explores all options fearlessly to make informed decisions. I fear many have succumbed to prejudice and virtue signally and fail their people.
