Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs Welcome Premier Wab Kinew’s Comments on Duty to Consult

Press Release

May 27, 2026

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs are welcoming comments made by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew on May 26, 2026, during the closing press conference of the Western Premiers’ Meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Premier Kinew affirmed that the duty to consult First Nations belongs to government and must be respected when Treaty rights may be affected. His comments followed the recent Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision regarding Alberta’s citizen-led independence referendum petition and the requirement for proper consultation with First Nations.

The Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs continue to affirm that First Nations are not stakeholders in these matters. First Nations are Treaty partners with inherent rights, jurisdiction, and responsibilities to the land, water, resources, and future generations.

Any discussion involving Alberta separation, constitutional change, provincial jurisdiction, or the potential creation of an international border must begin with proper consultation with the Chiefs of Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8.

ILR5