King expressed 'concern' over Alberta separatists, say First Nations chiefs after meeting

King Charles III "expressed his concern" over the Alberta separatist movement while meeting Indigenous leaders at Buckingham Palace, according to a delegation of First Nations chiefs that travelled to London. Grand Chief Joey Pete of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations said he and other leaders made the King aware of the "threat" the movement represented to agreements signed by First Nations and the Crown more than a century ago. He added that the King was "very interested in what we had to say" and had "committed to learning more". It comes as a grassroots separatist movement in the west Canadian province gathers signatures to force a secession referendum in October. First Nations leaders in Alberta have voiced their opposition to the separation movement, and some have filed legal challenges. While meeting the King on Wednesday, First Nations chiefs asked him to issue a Royal Proclamation that would affirm their treaties with the Crown and the rights afforded under them, they said. "It was a significant meeting, as Treaty partners and equals," said Grand Chief Pete in a statement. He added that the King had been "very interested in what we had to say and asked a lot of que