Alberta seeks First Nations’ collaboration on pipeline amid separation feud

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is promising to work with Indigenous groups on a new pipeline to the B.C. coast, but it comes at a time of tense relations. Her government and First Nations chiefs have been in a war of words for more than a year over a referendum on Alberta leaving Confederation. The disagreement stems from the duty to consult over Alberta’s separation from Canada. Alberta’s government is fighting in court over the issue, with First Nations saying Smith’s government has not properly consulted them. First Nations leaders have said Smith’s behaviour amounts to treason, while one o…