AFN chief calls for review of natural resource deals amid talk of Alberta separation

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is seen at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

OTTAWA — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling for a federal review of nearly century-old natural resource transfer agreements in response to Alberta’s government opening the door to a separation referendum.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a bill that, if passed, would make it far easier for Albertans to launch referendums on various topics -- including splitting from Canada.

Smith has pointed to growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa, saying those wanting to separate “are not fringe voices.”

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak reiterated her previous condemnation of the move Monday, saying First Nations are standing firm against any discussion about separation.

“Any smart province or premier would speak to First Nations directly and work with First Nations directly before they make irresponsible statements and irresponsible decisions,” she said on a virtual news conference.

She said First Nations were never consulted on natural resource transfer agreements with the Prairie provinces that date back to 1930, and any effort by Alberta to split the country would be “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional.”

Woodhouse Nepinak has written to Prime Minister Mark Carney asking his government to launch a review to determine if the natural resources transfer agreements are compatible with the Constitution.

She said First Nations have never ceded inherent rights to land and resources, and separatism would disregard treaties and undermine the foundation of Canada.

Smith’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Smith has said she wants to see the province stay within Canada but she’s willing to put the question to Albertans as soon as next year if petitioners gather the requisite 177,000 signatures to trigger a referendum.

She has said she expects any referendum question to respect treaty rights but has also declined to speculate on the implications of such a campaign.

Meanwhile on Monday, the Alberta Prosperity Project, which says it has collected online support from some 240,000 Albertans for independence, revealed exactly what it wants on a ballot.

“Do you agree that the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?” the group said it would read.

Smith was asked Monday if she would be willing to put that question on the ballot as one that respects treaties.

Smith responded that it’s still too speculative to comment.

“I know that there are several groups out there that are proposing different timelines, different questions, and so I’ll wait to see which one garners enough signatures and actually gets a petition campaign going,” she said.

“We have to wait for the process to play out,” said Smith.

Recent polls have suggested some public support for separation in Alberta, but far short of a majority.

Last week, Smith found herself defending against attacks from the Opposition NDP, who say she’s stoking separatism to avoid dividing her UCP and to maintain her grip on power.

Smith said she doesn’t want to see separatist parties like the federal Bloc Quebecois or provincial Parti Quebecois in Quebec to gain a foothold in Alberta politics.

She said she’s focused on getting a better deal for Albertans on a range of issues, mainly surrounding oil and gas.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.