Treaty 8 chiefs have said civil disobedience may be used to stop Alberta's October separation referendum.
Claimed by: Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, June 4, 2026
True: True as written according to the settled evidence. How we rate.
Summary
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi said on June 4, 2026 that First Nations leaders are organizing to stop the October referendum and that civil disobedience remains a last resort if other avenues fail. He said leaders had not given consent and would stop the vote by any means they can, including blocking industry or, in his words, going out on the highways. The statement came in an open letter demanding Smith halt the referendum without full consultation and consent from Treaty 8 First Nations. Mercredi stressed civil disobedience is not the first option but is under active consideration. This records what the chiefs said they may do; it does not mean disruption has occurred or that a court has authorized it.
Evidence
Mercredi said on June 4, 2026 that leaders are organizing and strategizing and that civil disobedience may be included as a last resort to stop the referendum.
Mercredi said First Nations have not given consent and will stop the referendum in any way they can, including getting in the way of industry or going out on the highways.
Treaty 8's open letter demanded Smith immediately cease any separation referendum process without full consultation and consent from Treaty 8 First Nations.
Related claims
- Alberta's First Nations support the independence push.False
- Alberta can call an independence referendum without consulting First Nations.False
- Treaty Chiefs from Treaties 6, 7, and 8 passed a unanimous vote of non-confidence in the UCP government over separatism.True
- Alberta's October 2026 referendum Question 10 does not trigger a duty to consult First Nations.Contested
- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called on Alberta to pause the October separation referendum.True