On 15 May 2025 in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, AB), Chief Troy Knowlton released a detailed rebuttal to Premier Danielle Smith’s 13 May letter. Speaking for the Blackfoot Confederacy, he argues that the Premier’s remarks circulate disinformation that obscures the intent and legal force of the Blackfoot Treaty (Treaty 7, 1877) and related Crown‑Indigenous agreements.

Knowlton distinguishes between misinformation—unintentional error—and disinformation—strategic falsehood—and warns that blurring the two weakens public understanding of Treaty rights. Such distortion, he contends, damages provincial‑First‑Nation relations and erodes Alberta’s wider governance framework.

The Premier’s proposal to escort a selectively chosen group of Treaty Chiefs to Ottawa is described as a divide‑and‑conquer tactic. Chiefs Ouray Crowfoot (Siksika) and Travis Plaited Hair (Kainai) agree that the trip offers no tangible benefit to Blackfoot citizens and risks fragmenting pan‑Treaty solidarity. On that basis, the Confederacy declines to participate.

Turning to policy, the Chiefs reiterate their opposition to Bill 54 (Citizen‑Led Referendum Act), stating that the legislation would undermine the constitutional doctrine of Treaty supremacy by subjecting Crown obligations to majoritarian vote, inject policy volatility that could deter long‑term investment, and signal a retreat from Alberta’s fiduciary duties toward First Nations.

Knowlton also rejects the “Go Along Chief” label and observes that separatist rhetoric has only strengthened First‑Nation unity nationwide. The Confederacy emphasizes that it recognizes no office of “Grand Chief,” and that decision‑making authority is shared equally by the Chiefs of Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani; all government correspondence must therefore be addressed to all three leaders.

The statement urges Albertans—particularly scholars, media professionals, and civil‑society actors—to consult peer‑reviewed research and primary Treaty documents so that policy dialogue is grounded in evidence and authentic First‑Nation perspectives.

The Chiefs acknowledge the intellectual labour and steadfast advocacy of Blackfoot citizens, neighbouring Indigenous Nations, and allies across Canada. Their collective efforts, they affirm, advance the full implementation of the Treaties and the realization of Indigenous sovereignty.