First Nations sign historic agreement with Alberta

Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Grand Chief Billy Morin, Minister Wilson, Premier Kenney and Chief Vernon Watchmaker of Kehewin Cree Nation sign a historic protocol agreement..

“The recovery we are driving for this province, after unprecedented economic and social challenges, will not be complete without Indigenous involvement. It’s a great moral imperative – ensuring Alberta’s opportunities and prosperity are shared with First Nations – the first peoples, the first entrepreneurs and the first stewards of this rich land on which we stand. And the protocol agreement we’re signing today is key to making that happen.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

The Alberta-Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Protocol Agreement outlines a formal process for ministers, chiefs and councils to meet several times throughout the year. Meetings will focus on six priorities:

  • land and resources
  • health care
  • education
  • justice
  • economic development
  • culture and tourism

“I’m proud to walk a path of reconciliation with Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. We will work together in a spirit of respect and partnership to move forward our shared social and economic priorities. I couldn’t be more proud to sign the first agreement between Alberta’s government and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations since 2008.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

The protocol agreement gives Alberta and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations a way to have meaningful discussions, share information and explore issues of mutual concern.

The agreement also commits to an annual meeting between the chiefs of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Premier Jason Kenney.

“A protocol agreement is more than a document. It is a promise between governments about communication and collaboration with a focus on shared prosperity, now and for years to come.”

Grand Chief Billy Morin, Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations

The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations includes 16 First Nations that span central Alberta.

In 2020-21, Alberta’s government will provide the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations with a $300,000 grant to support the agreement’s implementation. The agreement will remain in place for as long as both parties wish to keep it active.

Quick facts

  • In September 2019, the Blackfoot Confederacy renewed their protocol agreement with Alberta’s government.
  • In October 2020, government signed the Alberta-Stoney Nakoda-Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Protocol Agreement.