Canada’s chief RCMP officer has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason investigation into the province’s premier and ruling party. This response has instilled optimism among some chiefs.

Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who initiated the case for the allegation, expressed, “It’s a significant step towards our goal. They will review the information to decide if an investigation is warranted, so I am hopeful.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine also shared his optimism in a separate interview.

The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations in Alberta under Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories, unanimously passed a resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to look into whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members may have committed treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.

Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to vote on staying in Canada or holding a second binding referendum on separation. The Alberta government asserts that the referendum provides a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to address and discuss legitimate grievances with federal policies.

The Criminal Code defines treason primarily as using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could harm Canada’s safety or defense. Following the resolution passing, the assembly forwarded it to the RCMP, which responded a month later in a letter obtained by CBC Indigenous this week.

In the letter addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated, “If the criteria for a formal criminal investigation are met, any investigative steps taken will be conducted thoroughly and objectively, in line with RCMP policy.” Fraser’s office declined to comment, and the Justice Department referred to the RCMP.

The RCMP headquarters in Ottawa mentioned in a statement that assessments are conducted independently and objectively based on facts, law, and evidence available. The RCMP emphasized that it does not comment on private correspondence unless charges are filed as a result of an investigation.

First Nations are encouraging their communities to participate in the referendum while hoping for a meaningful response from the RCMP. Despite Premier Smith’s dismissive stance towards the treason allegation in June, the treaty chiefs continue to advocate for a thorough investigation into their concerns.