09/13/2026
FIRST NATION DEFIES DANIELLE SMITH GOVERNMENT OVER HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
Saddle Lake Cree Nation is moving ahead with plans to establish a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care, challenging Alberta’s restrictions and invoking Treaty 6 rights.
The First Nation says health care is a treaty right and that it will not stand by while children and families lose access to care.
Meanwhile, Danielle Smith says she has no authority over the First Nation and respects its sovereignty.
This is becoming another major confrontation between the UCP government and an Alberta First Nation.
When governments restrict rights, communities will continue asking: Who gets to decide what happens to their children and their health care?