Your local June 11 news update

📣 Recent Local and National Updates

🇨🇦 Supreme Court–Winning Lawyer Advocates for FN Prosperity

An Alberta-based lawyer who recently secured a Supreme Court victory is now backing an Indigenous separatist group, arguing it would actually enhance First Nations rights and prosperity(indianz.com, aptnnews.ca).

🛑 Bill 5 Sparks Outrage from Sachigo Lake First Nation

Sachigo Lake First Nation (Treaty 9) has issued a strong rejection of Ontario’s Bill 5—The Northern Ontario Critical Minerals Strategy Act—saying it authorizes mineral exploration without consent, calling it an unlawful infringement on Indigenous sovereignty(windspeaker.com).

🌐 In National Indigenous & Treaty News

• First Nations leaders from Treaty 6, 7 & 8 have rallied support from the United Church's Being Good Relations Network, urging Alberta to meaningfully respect Treaty obligations amid rising talk of provincial separation(northernspiritrc.ca).

• Leaders across Canada responded to the King’s Speech in May, emphasizing there’s a gap between ceremonial gestures and fulfilled treaty rights(paherald.sk.ca).

🔍 What This Means

• Treaty Rights Under Threat: Bill 5 and similar legislation highlight ongoing tensions over Indigenous consent in resource development—even beyond Alberta.

• Growing Sovereignty Momentum: The support for Indigenous separatist approaches reflects a rising willingness to explore new governance paths for Nations.

• Continued Treaty Advocacy: Calls for Alberta to respect Treaty obligations highlight ongoing community pressure in response to current political movements.

• aptnnews.ca

• windspeaker.com

Here’s a deeper, more contextual look into the most significant Indigenous- and treaty-related news shaping Alberta and Canada’s current political climate:

1. Alberta’s Separatism Push & Treaty Rights 🌾

• Surge in separatist momentum – Alberta is seeing a rise in support for independence, driven by economic frustrations and U.S. leanings, with polls showing around 36 % of residents in favor of secession or shifting allegiances (thetimes.co.uk, theguardian.com).

• Premier Smith lowering referendum barriers – With Bill 54, the province reduced the number of signatures needed for a citizens-initiated referendum (from 20 % to just 10 %), making a possible vote on independence more feasible (en.wikipedia.org).

• First Nations pushing back – Nations like Onion Lake Cree have taken legal action against the Sovereignty Act, emphasizing that the province cannot override treaty rights. Experts stress Indigenous consent is required for any valid separation process (benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com).

2. Indigenous Law as the North American Foundation ⚖️

• Indigenous Bar Association warns – The IBA condemns rising "separatist rhetoric" tied to Alberta identity politics, emphasizing that treaties were made with the Crown—not provinces—and are constitutionally protected across provincial borders (canadianlawyermag.com).

• Constitutional roadblocks to separation – From legal scholars like Bruce McIvor to Supreme Court doctrine, experts highlight that a clean break from Canada would require Indigenous Nations' consent. Without it, any referendum lacks legitimacy (nationalmagazine.ca).

3. Bill 5 in Ontario: A Broader Pattern of Indigenous & Environmental Erosion 🌿

• Ontario’s Bill 5 threatens habitat and rights – Legislation that weakens species protections, limits public/scientific oversight, and sidelines Indigenous consultation—not only undermines biodiversity but sets a precedent that could be echoed further west (thefurbearers.com).

• Sachigo Lake First Nation takes action – They’ve launched a strong pushback under the slogan “No Consent, No Access,” rejecting unapproved Crown permits and demanding new protocols that respect their jurisdiction under treaty and Indigenous law (windspeaker.com).

🧭 What It All Means

Theme Significance Nation-to-Nation sovereignty From Alberta to Ontario, Indigenous Nations are asserting legal and moral authority in response to provincial and federal actions that ignore treaties and natural law. Environmental justice Bill 5 demonstrates how deregulation threatens biodiversity and Indigenous rights. This is part of a broader pattern of sidelining Indigenous voices in resource management. Legal and constitutional friction Provincial separatism isn’t just political—it’s a legal minefield. Without honoring constitutional protections for treaty rights, such moves risk major legal challenges and backlash. Stand with Indigenous leadership Nations like Onion Lake, Sachigo Lake, and Treaty 6–8 leaders are front and centre—asserting their sovereignty, taking legal action, and working to redefine governance in Canada.

📢 What You Can Do

• Indigenous-led accountability: Follow and support Nations asserting their rights—Alberta and Ontario examples show how meaningful action can take place at grassroots level.

• Hold governments accountable: Demand that your local, provincial, and federal representatives abide by UNDRIP, constitutional norms, and true Indigenous consent.

• Stand for the land: Oppose laws that weaken environmental protections and Indigenous jurisdiction over territories and waters.

Would you like a breakdown of any particular development (e.g., Bill 54, Saskatchewan’s stance, or Treaty 6 responses), or perhaps a local spotlight on a specific Nation’s action?

• thetimes.co.uk

• theguardian.com

Weather for Edmonton, AB:

Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 69°F (21°C)

Daily Forecast:

• Wednesday, June 11: Low: 53°F (12°C), High: 69°F (21°C), Description: Hazy; smoke from area fires will lead to poor air quality

• Thursday, June 12: Low: 54°F (12°C), High: 63°F (17°C), Description: Cloudy and cooler; a passing shower in the morning followed by periods of rain in the afternoon

• Friday, June 13: Low: 52°F (11°C), High: 67°F (19°C), Description: Rain

• Saturday, June 14: Low: 49°F (9°C), High: 67°F (19°C), Description: Cloudy; a shower in spots in the morning followed by a couple of thunderstorms in the afternoon

• Sunday, June 15: Low: 50°F (10°C), High: 68°F (20°C), Description: Hazy sunshine

• Monday, June 16: Low: 54°F (12°C), High: 70°F (21°C), Description: Cloudy with occasional rain and a thunderstorm in the afternoon

• Tuesday, June 17: Low: 53°F (12°C), High: 74°F (24°C), Description: Rather cloudy

Severe Weather Alerts:

• City of Edmonton - St. Albert - Sherwood Park: Air Quality Warning in effect until Friday, 3:27 PM MDT. Source: Environment Canada, air quality warning in effect Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

Air quality is expected to gradually improve for areas in Central and Southern Alberta by Thursday evening.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.

Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.

Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.

If you must spend time outdoors, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.

Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.

Always follow guidance from local authorities.

Learn more at https://www.canada.ca/wildfire-smoke., start time: Wednesday, June 11, 15:27:00 UTC, end time: Friday, June 13, 15:27:00 UTC

Here’s your Treaty 6 region weather update (covering areas like Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Maskwacis, Saddle Lake, and nearby communities):

🌬️ Summary & Recommendations

1. Unsettled Skies & Rain

Expect overcast skies with rain and thunderstorms throughout much of the next week (June 12–14 & 16), with highs between 63–70 °F (17–21 °C) and cooler nights at 49–54 °F (9–12 °C). Plan camps, ceremonies, and land workshops with waterproof gear and alternate schedules.

2. Air Quality Alert

A wildfire smoke-induced Air Quality Warning remains in effect until Friday at 3:27 PM MDT, covering Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and surrounding Treaty 6 communities. Those with respiratory sensitivities—elders, youth, pregnant individuals, or chronically ill—should avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the daytime. Use N95 masks when outside and keep indoor air filtered or closed.

3. Refuge Days Ahead

By Sunday (June 15) into mid-week, expect hazy sunshine and better air quality, with warming temperatures reaching 74 °F (24 °C) on Tuesday. This offers the ideal window for outdoor gatherings, youth camps, community ceremonies, and sweat lodge openings.

✅ Tips for Treaty 6 Communities

• Reschedule sensitive events: Favorites like sweat lodges, sun dances, or rites of passage are best held Sunday to Tuesday, when weather and air are favorable.

• Have a backup plan: For land-based activities like medicine harvesting or youth warrior training, prepare sheltered indoor alternatives for rainy days.

• Protect vulnerable members: Keep elders, children, and those with health issues indoors or in filtered spaces during smoky conditions; consider postponing hikes or lake ceremonies midweek.

• Prepare for stormy weather: Pack rainproof clothing, sturdy tents, ground sheets, and ensure fire setups are sheltered and safe in case of thunderstorms.

By blending the teachings of Treaty 6 with responsive planning to Mother Nature’s moods, your movement stays resilient, respectful, and rooted. Let the land guide your timing and your way.