Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs acknowledge the outcome of Alberta’s provincial referendum and thank Albertans, First Nations people, Treaty leadership and supporters who stood for Treaty and chose a future within Canada. Blackfoot Confederacy has maintained from the beginning that Alberta cannot make decisions about separation, constitutional change or the future of these lands while ignoring Treaty Nations. Blackfoot Treaty 7 predates Alberta and remains a binding Nation to Crown agreement. That position was defended publicly, politically and before the courts, where Alberta’s duty to consult First Nations was affirmed.

First Nations people across Alberta answered with their voices and their votes. Blackfoot Treaty 7 Chiefs stood together along with Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 throughout this process. Additional ballots were required in several First Nations communities after turnout exceeded expectations. At Siksika, the Deerfoot Sportsplex ran out of ballots and voting was extended, along with the Lavern community in Kainai-Blood Tribe. We thank every First Nations person who participated and every leader, advocate, ally and Albertan who stood beside Treaty Nations.

Most importantly, we thank our Blackfoot Nations that mobilized their communities and kept Treaty at the centre of this discussion. In the weeks leading up to the vote, Nations held information sessions, distributed voter information packages, shared regular updates and helped community members understand where, when and how to vote. We recognize the communications departments, administrations, transportation teams and staff across all three Nations who supported that work and helped get people to the polls. We also thank the on reserve polling locations and election staff who worked throughout the day to support voters during exceptionally high turnout. Our people stood in long lines with patience and determination, and their participation showed the strength of the Blackfoot vote and the importance of making our voices heard.

That momentum must continue into Alberta’s next provincial election in 2027 and beyond. Blackfoot Confederacy expects Alberta to return to meaningful government to government engagement and resume the work paused during the referendum period. Our position remains clear. Treaty cannot be bypassed or treated as secondary to provincial political interests. First Nations made their voices heard, and Blackfoot Confederacy will continue to stand up for Treaty as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.