By Canadian Press

Onion Lake Cree Nation suing Alberta government over sovereignty act

Dec 19, 2022 | 5:47 PM

EDMONTON — Onion Lake Cree Nation has filed a lawsuit against the Alberta government saying its sovereignty act is an infringement on treaty rights. 

The nation is seeking a declaration from the Court of King’s Bench that the act unjustifiably infringes on treaty rights and is of no force and effect.

The Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, also known as Bill 1, was passed on Dec. 8 and has been criticized by other First Nations and Indigenous organizations.

Onion Lake Chief Okimaw Lewis announced the legal action today at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alta.

Lewis says in a statement that the province made no effort to consult with the community and that the act is offensive to the spirit and intent of Treaty 6.

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Onion Lake Cree Nation is more than 270 kilometres east of Edmonton on the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2022.

The Canadian Press