Thursday, May 8, 2025

Some Natives leaders in Alberta have added their voices to criticisms over separatism. As Dan Karpenchuk reports, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (CP) has defended a pledge of a possible referendum on the issue. The idea of Alberta separatism was floated in the later stages of Canada’s national election in April. Alberta is the heartland of the Conservative party and some people appeared frustrated over a fourth Liberal term in office in Ottawa, and raised the issue that long standing grievances might lead to a move for separation. Premier Smith proposed legislation that would make it easier for citizens to call for a vote to secede from Canada. But that’s concerning to many First Nations in the province and in Western Canada. Recently chiefs of four Alberta First Nations issued a statement saying that any efforts to separate will be met with their full opposition. Here’s Troy Bossman Knowlton of the Piikani Nation. “Talking of separation is really insanity because there is no pathway to separation. You can have all the referendum you want.”  And Billy Joe Tuccaro of the Mikisew First Nation threw a copy of the proposed legislation into the air when he spoke.  “Bill 54 this is what we think of you. You’re garbage like that.” The chiefs say that large areas of the province are governed by sacred treaties between First Nations and the crown. and those lands are held in trust by the Crown for the benefit of First Nations and not as property of the provincial government. Those treaties were made before before Alberta entered into Confederation in 1905. Some Native leaders say for Smith make that kind of a promise without engaging with First Nations shows the lack of respect for the original inhabitants of the land. (Courtesy Asm. James Ramos / Facebook) Tribal leaders, advocates, and California state lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol in Sacramento Wednesday to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP). Assemblymember James Ramos (Serrano/Cahuilla/D-CA), chair of the California Legislative Native American Caucus, held a press conference before hosting day-long events. Asm. Ramos says MMIP continues to gain momentum in the state. “This issue is not nothing new. This is something that’s plagued Indian reservations and tribal communities for a long time, for generations. What’s new is we’re gaining allies in this fight for bringing awareness around solving crimes against Native American people in the state of California, allies in the legislature, allies in law enforcement.” Following the press conference, a hearing was held to exploring how to end violence on tribal lands. “We want to make sure that those families that are out there going through these different crises know that you’re not alone that we’re standing side by side with you trying to get resources that you drastically need. We continue to raise that voice here at the State Capitol to ensure that California’s First People truly do have a voice when it comes to public safety.” (Courtesy Asm. James Ramos / Facebook) In the evening, a candlelight vigil was held with the Capitol Dome illuminated red to honor MMIP.  (Courtesy Coalition of Large Tribes) U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) are demanding urgent action from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Rhonda McBride from our flagship station KNBA has more. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., they said the Indian Health Service (IHS) is unable to deliver quality health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, as required by federal law. The senators say staffing shortages and a civilian hiring freeze have made matters worse for an already struggling system. They say not only medical services are in jeopardy, but also billing, appointments, lab work and other essential tasks, even accreditation for IHS facilities. In their letter, the senators also called on Sec. Kennedy to halt any further cutbacks without first engaging in meaningful tribal consultation. Sen. Murkowski is chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Sen. Schatz is vice chair. Sen. Merkley is the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.   Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today.