Indigenous lawyer Leighton Grey draws separatist rally applause in Edmonton Saturday

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal NewsPolitics Indigenous lawyer Leighton Grey draws separatist rally applause in Edmonton Saturday 'They call us the First Nations, but I find we're first in all the wrong things and we're last in all the good things … we're last in life expectancy, last in household income, last in educational outcomes, last in government transparency — including the ones on reserve' Author of the article: By Jackie Carmichael Published Aug 30, 2026 4 minute read Leighton Grey speaks at a separatists rally at the Alberta legislature ahead of festivities marking the province's 121st birthday. Taken on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Edmonton. Greg Southam-Postmedia PHOTO BY GREG SOUTHAM /10112531A Article content Indigenous lawyer Leighton Grey captured the attention and applause from crowds at Saturday’s separatist rally outside the province’s legislature, where Alberta Day events sprung up less than 24 hours later. Article content At one point, without mentioning the Premier Danielle Smith specifically, an emcee dropped reference to Smith’s plans to secure approval from the House of Commons by completing consultation with First Nations — requirements under the federal Clarity Act — so she can “act quickly” on a binding referendum on Alberta separation next spring if the Oct. 19 referendum vote about leaving Confederation receives enough support. Article content Article content Article content As she introduced the firebrand separatist and Indigenous lawyer — Saturday’s emcee took an unscientific poll. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “How many of you here who are part of the Indigenous community or know people who are a part of that community know if you are in favour of independence? Show of hands? Oh, it looks like the consultation process has already began,” she said as some arms shot up and a few in the crowd yelled “Whoo hoo!” Article content In recent weeks, Alberta government and separatist organizers vowed to overturn a Court of Kings Bench ruling against Stay Free Alberta’s petition, based on a motion filed by several Indigenous communities, including Sturgeon Cree First Nation, about three hours northwest of…