First Nations chiefs from across Canada are calling on the federal and provincial governments to protect treaty rights amid concerns about the potential impact of Alberta separatism.

At the annual meeting of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Ottawa, chiefs passed an emergency resolution calling for constitutional processes affecting First Nations to move forward only with consultation and consent from the communities involved.

The AFN said the resolution responds to concerns that changes related to provincial sovereignty or separatist movements could affect the constitutional relationship between First Nations and the Crown.

According to the AFN, no province has the legal authority to change, reduce, or eliminate treaty rights protected under Canada’s Constitution.

The organisation is urging governments at all levels to ensure that First Nations are properly consulted before any constitutional changes are considered.

The resolution comes as discussions around Alberta separatism continue to raise questions about the potential legal and constitutional consequences for Indigenous communities and their treaty rights.