What may happen to Indigenous lands, should Alberta decide to separate from Canada?

Alberta’s recent introduction of Bill 54 (The Citizen Initiative Act) which lowers the threshold for citizen-led referendums in the province, has sparked renewed concerns about the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada. The speaker will contend that If Alberta attempted to separate, it could not maintain the treaty relationships established with the Crown. First Nations would have strong constitutional and international law arguments to reject inclusion in an independent Alberta. Under international law, particularly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, they have the right to self-determination, which may mean First Nations could demand autonomy, remain with Canada, or negotiate new terms directly. Speaker: Dr. Mike Bruised Head (in the Blackfoot language, Ninna Piksii) Mike Bruised Head graduated from St Mary’s High school on the Blood Reserve in 1976. Received Bachelors of Arts Degree (BA) from University of Lethbridge in 1980. Served on Blood Tribe Chief and Council 1981 to 1983. Employed at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College in 1984-85 as College Administrator. Executive Director of Sikoohkotoki Friendship Center from 1986 to 1994. Convocated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from U of L. Employed by the Kainai Board of Education as a high school teacher, vice principal and principal from 1996 to 2011. Obtained a Master’s Degree (MA) from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington (2003) in Administration and Supervision. Elected to Blood Tribe Chief and Council from 2011 to 2016. Formally created Kainai Ecosystems Protection Agency (KEPA) and served as chair for KEPA from 2012 to 2016. Serves on the Oldman Watershed Council and participates on the Crown of the Continent Roundtable Leadership Committee and Crown Partners. Involved in Kainai ceremonies and cultural events. Speaks Blackfoot fluently. Presently serving as president of the University of Lethbridge Iniskim Indigenous Alumni Chapter and Chairman of the Kainai Board of Education. Defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of Lethbridge in Cultural, Social and Political Thought (CSPT) at a public presentation on June 20, 2022.