Alberta First Nation invokes treaty clause to set up gender-affirming care safe haven

PERSPECTIVES Alberta First Nation invokes treaty clause to set up gender-affirming care safe haven By Karen Bartko, Global News and Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press Global News Posted September 9, 2026 7:55 pm Updated September 9, 2026 7:56 pm 2 min read In an historic move, the Saddle Lake Cree Nation says it's invoking the 'medicine chest' clause, 150 years after Treaty 6 was signed. The Alberta First Nation is establishing a safe haven for gender-affirming care — contrary to provincial law.. Quinn Ohler has the details. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE An Alberta First Nation says it aims to defy Premier Danielle Smith’s government by establishing a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care — contrary to provincial law. The Saddle Lake Cree Nation, located northeast of Edmonton near St. Paul, says health care is a right under Treaty 6 and falls under its inherent jurisdiction. The First Nation has invoked the “medicine chest clause” provision from the treaty signed in 1876, which Indigenous Peoples interpret as a promise to provide comprehensive health care. “All children, including trans and two-spirit children and their family, will have safety under our treaty,” Saddle Lake Chief Dale Steinhauer said on Wednesday. Late last year, Smith’s United Conservative Party government used the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to shield its law from court challenges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The law prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to transgender and gender diverse children under 16. 2:12 LGBTQ2 advocate shares her reality living in Alberta LGBTQ2 advocate shares her reality living in Alberta Life is getting more difficult for trans people living in Alberta, advocates say Health Matters: LGBTQ2 advocates try to halt Alberta’s transgender bill ‘This will kill trans kids’: LGTBQ2 advocates challenge Alberta’s proposed gender policies Next Video The premier has said it’s about protecting children and their fertility. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY HEALTH NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. Steinhauer says they won’t stand by while basic human rights and…