AFN chief rebukes Alberta separation talks in meeting with King Charles

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations rebuked the Alberta separation movement during a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace today.

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says Canada needs to be reminded that First Nations were partners in the country’s creation and that relationship can’t be changed through politics.

She says that relationship will remain as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows.

The Alberta government is putting forward a referendum in October asking voters if they want to remain part of Canada or to pursue separation from Canada.

Woodhouse Nepinak says Albertans are free to leave the country but will not be taking any of the land with them.

She says she invited the King to Canada, as several treaties are nearing milestone anniversaries.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2026.