First Nation Defies Alberta’s Bans | Calgary News

Saddle Lake Cree Nation is boldly stepping into the healthcare spotlight, declaring they’ll offer gender-affirming care on their land — a defiant move against Alberta’s restrictive laws targeting minors. With Premier Danielle Smith acknowledging no authority over First Nations and respecting their sovereignty, the nation is asserting treaty rights rooted in the medicine chest clause of Treaty 6. Chief Dale Steinhauer calls provincial laws dehumanizing, framing this as a fight for universal healthcare dignity. Already fundraising millions in under a day, they’re drafting protective legislation to shield clinicians and challenge Alberta’s notwithstanding clause. This clash between provincial power and Indigenous sovereignty is heating up — and the federal government remains silent as the nation turns its reserve into a sanctuary for affirming care. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f21d0bd4fbcf51f7