As the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), we’re committed to educating Albertans on the path to sovereignty—a vision rooted in respect for history, law, and all peoples who call this land home. Recently, a narrative has emerged online portraying the Alberta independence movement as a “conspiracy” against Indigenous rights, treaties, and sovereignty. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
This post from @driftingideals claims the movement “emboldens and attracts people who view Indigenous rights as an obstacle to be removed,” citing isolated quotes and broad generalizations to paint independence as anti-Indigenous. It alleges hostility from figures like Bruce Pardy and Cameron Davies, references Prof. Matthew Wildcat’s views, notes opposition from all 48 First Nations, mentions lawsuits against the Alberta Sovereignty Act, and accuses the movement of seeking to “dismantle Indigenous sovereignty.” This is a distorted view designed to divide, not inform. Alberta independence isn’t about erasure—it’s about empowerment, direct partnerships, and honouring treaties as living agreements between sovereign nations.
Elder Lawrence Courtoreille, a former elected Chief of a Cree Band and strong advocate for Treaty and Aboriginal rights, was one of the original founders of APP who helped develop our proposed policies. First Nations would have a seat at the table in a sovereign Alberta, as outlined on page 7 of our policies document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZS1U179FHmlaqMvEFa5Lx0ze9e5QBmNH/edit
Let’s break it down piece by piece with facts, legal realities, and voices from experts like constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson.
Piece 1: The Claim of Hostility Toward Indigenous Rights
The narrative suggests the movement attracts those “openly hostile” to First Nations, implying independence is a vehicle for dismantling rights. This ignores the foundational respect for treaties in our vision.
As Keith Wilson notes: “Independence will happen because all of Alberta is treaty lands. The treaties transferred legal ownership of all of the lands in Alberta to the Crown (Alberta).”
Treaties 6, 7, and 8 explicitly include language of cession and surrender to the Crown. Canadian courts have affirmed this while protecting ongoing rights.
Independence allows Alberta to assume Crown obligations directly, fostering better relationships.
Piece 2: Misrepresenting Isolated Voices as the Movement’s Core
The post highlights isolated comments from Bruce Pardy and Cameron Davies. These are not APP positions—we focus on honouring treaties.
Keith Wilson counters: First Nations have choices post-referendum—no unilateral changes.
Prof. Wildcat’s claims are a strawman; independence protects Section 35 rights through negotiation.
Piece 3: The “All 48 First Nations Oppose” Myth
While some leaders oppose, views vary, and opposition often targets federal failures.
Independence offers direct partnerships and funding, bypassing Ottawa.
Piece 4: Lawsuits and the Sovereignty Act as “Threats”
Lawsuits relate to consultation, not independence itself. Treaties ceded resources.
The Sovereignty Act protects against federal overreach.
Piece 5: Accusations of Dismantling Sovereignty
Independence modernizes frameworks in partnership. Ottawa’s failures (water, housing) highlight the need for change.
This fear-based narrative maintains Ottawa’s control. Alberta independence honours Faith, Family, Freedom for all.
Visit www.albertaprosperityproject.com for more. Come On Let’s Go!