Understanding how government authority is distributed should be at heart of analyzing Alberta’s separatist movement

Ultimately, where First Nations will find strategic strength and creativity in this moment is by turning to each other instead of directing our energy toward the Canadian state.

Red Sky Performance dancers, pictured on Sept. 30, 2019 at the Canadian Museum of History for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Ultimately, where First Nations will find strategic strength and creativity in this moment is by turning to each other instead of directing our energy toward the Canadian state, writes Matthew Wildcat. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY MATTHEW WILDCAT

July 2, 2026

In September 1885, the renowned Plains Cree chief Big Bear was convicted of treason-felony for his involvement in the 1885 Northwest Resistance. The conviction rested on a fundamental misunderstanding of Nehiyaw political authority, where leadership was distributed between v...

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