Canada’s chief Mountie has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason probe into the province’s premier and ruling party, a development that has sparked optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who spearheaded the case for the allegation, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s a significant step forward in our efforts to push this matter forward.”
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine also shared his hopeful outlook in a separate interview, saying, “They will review the information and decide if it warrants an investigation, so I am hopeful they will proceed.”
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations in Alberta under Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8, unanimously passed a resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to look into whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members might have committed treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to vote on staying in Canada or initiating a second, binding referendum on separation. The Alberta government asserts that the referendum provides a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to voice and discuss genuine grievances with federal policies and decisions.
According to the Criminal Code, treason involves using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could endanger Canada’s safety or defense.
Following the resolution’s passage, the assembly forwarded it to the RCMP, which responded a month later in a letter obtained by CBC Indigenous this week. In the letter, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated, “The matter was routed to the appropriate operational and investigative units to assess if the provided information meets the criteria for launching a criminal investigation.”
The letter, addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8, as well as the Blackfoot Confederacy, and copied to provincial and federal attorneys general Mickey Amery and Sean Fraser, emphasized that any investigative steps taken would adhere to RCMP policy.
The Justice Department and the attorneys general have refrained from commenting, deferring to the RCMP. In a statement, RCMP headquarters in Ottawa specified that assessments are conducted impartially based on available facts, law, and evidence, with no commentary on private correspondence unless charges are laid.
While Premier Smith has advocated for Alberta to remain part of Canada, the treaty chiefs accuse her and the UCP of promoting separatism, breaching treaties, risking foreign interference, and neglecting proper consultation with First Nations.
Chief Sunshine expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and hopes for tangible progress. In the meantime, First Nations are urging their communities to participate in the referendum.
Chief Bull voiced disappointment that the federal government has not intervened, deeming the situation a fruitless distraction. Premier Smith denounced the treason accusation as offensive in June, prompting the chiefs to dismiss her remarks.
Chief Sunshine believes the Mounties are treating the matter seriously, considering the broader implications of the separation referendum and associated risks.