(October 17, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak today released the following statement in advance of tomorrow’s referendum in Alberta.
“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we stand in solidarity with Treaty 6, 7 and 8 in encouraging Albertans to vote tomorrow for unity and against dividing Canadians.
We lift up Alberta Chiefs and community leaders for everything they are doing to get out the vote, and everything they have been doing to challenge the legality of the Alberta separation question over the past year.
Treaty Nations in Alberta are in sovereign relationships with the Crown. The truth is that no province has the right to alter these constitutional realities.
Regardless of Monday’s result, we will be re-inviting Premier Smith to participate in next week’s First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa, and the National Day of Ceremony with the Prime Minister and other First Ministers this Sunday, October 25.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]