The Alberta government issued an apology following a revised statement from Premier Danielle Smith that omitted a reference to Indigenous peoples originally included in the statement commemorating the province’s 121st birthday. The original statement acknowledged the enduring connection and stewardship of the land by Indigenous Peoples, but the updated version, released about an hour later, did not include this reference. The French version of the statement retained the mention of Indigenous people.

During a press conference on education investments, Premier Smith referred to the updated statement as a “glitch” when asked about the changes. The provincial spokesperson, Yonathan Sumamo, explained that the updated version was issued in error and confirmed that the original statement remains valid despite the confusion caused.

Trevor Mercredi, grand chief of the Treaty 8 First Nations, expressed deep concern over the removal of the reference to Indigenous peoples, emphasizing that Indigenous Nations have always been an integral part of Alberta’s history, present, and future. He stressed that Indigenous Nations cannot be relegated as a mere footnote in Alberta’s narrative and that their presence and contributions to the land are undeniable.

Despite the controversy, the updated version of the statement continued to be featured on the premier’s social media platforms as of Wednesday. Premier Smith highlighted the importance of celebrating the diverse cultures and communities, including Indigenous peoples, that have played a significant role in shaping the province’s development and success.