Grand Chief Joey Pete, of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations and Chief of the Sunchild First Nation, alongside Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe, were in London today for a face-to-face meeting with King Charles III – where it was reaffirmed that Treaties 1 through 11 are considered sacred covenants among First Nations and the British Crown.
In a statement released by the Confederacy of Treaty 6 following today’s meeting at Buckingham Palace, it was confirmed that the Chief’s Delegation had raised the issue of Alberta separatism directly to the Monarch, as well as the threat the matter represents to historic Treaties.
Grand Chief Pete said that The King was welcoming and very interested in the matter. He added, The King had asked a lot of questions while also committing to learning more about the issue, and expressed his own concern about it.
Grand Chief Pete says he had also formally asked The King on behalf of Treaty No. 6, 7 and 8 Nations to ‘issue a Royal Proclamation reaffirming our sacred Treaty relationship and Sovereign Rights.’ He adds, ‘It was a significant meeting, as Treaty partners and equals.’
The Chiefs had requested a future audience with The King to continue discussions on upholding treaty obligations, and had also extended a formal invitation to him to attend celebrations in Edmonton this coming August to mark the 150 year anniversary of the signing of Treaty number 6.
While The King has not yet committed to attending, the Chiefs say his appearance there would send a strong signal about the Crown’s commitment to the Treaty relationship.
The full statement from the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations can be viewed here.
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