AFN chief rebukes Alberta separatists in meeting with King Charles

AFN chief rebukes Alberta separatists in meeting with King Charles

'You're free to leave. You won't be taking any land with you,' says Woodhouse Nepinak

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

"The King was there with us in unison, that First Nations are foundational partners in the creation of Canada, and our relationship cannot be changed or moved just from politics," Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told The Canadian Press in an interview.

"As long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows, we're all treaty people in Canada."

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

"We've got a beautiful country. If you don't want to be part of it you're free to leave. You won't be taking any land with you," Woodhouse Nepinak said.

She said there will be further conversations with Charles about potential separation, and that they are working on a youth initiative together.

She is also pushing the King to commission treaty medals, as his mother and grandmother had done, to symbolize the continued relationship between First Nations and the Crown.

"I think we need to be united. We have to work together," she said.

"It's better for us to build up each other and build up the strongest and best country around the world, rather than trying to tear apart a relationship."

Woodhouse Nepinak also said she invited the King to Canada, as several treaties are nearing milestone anniversaries.