First Nations chiefs across Alberta unanimously passed a vote of non-confidence in the Alberta government this week, citing concerns around the separatist movement and a failure to meet their treaty responsibilities.

In a news release, the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, Treaty No. 8 said the provincial government, governed by the United Conservative Party, has repeatedly shown a lack of understanding and respect for its treaty responsibilities, demonstrating its “inability to responsibly and respectfully govern the province of Alberta.”

“We have to put [the government] on notice that this is completely unacceptable,” Trevor Mercredi, grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, told CBC News.

The assembly, which convened Thursday in Enoch Cree Nation, just west of Edmonton, called on party-aligned and independent MLAs alike to also declare a non-confidence vote in the government.

In a statement sent to CBC News through her press secretary, Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said the government prioritizes building and maintaining relationships with First Nations.

“We value these relationships and remain committed to transparency, collaboration, mutual respect and supporting reconciliation,” the statement read.

“Alberta’s position has been clear and consistent: the Constitution is the highest law of the land, and Section 35 recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights and provides constitutional protection for these rights — this has not changed.”

In a joint statement, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and other opposition members said they categorically denounce separatism, promising to stand with First Nations and uphold the treaty relationship.

The non-confidence vote comes roughly two months after a controversial citizen-initiated petition about separation was approved. The organization needs to gather 177,732 signatures by May 2 before it can be put to a referendum.

The petition, brought forth by the Alberta Prosperity Project, poses: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”

Multiple First Nations criticized the proposal, including Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, which is suing the provincial government for legislative changes that enabled the separation petition.

In December, a Court of King’s Bench judge deemed a similar independence question would be unconstitutional, citing Charter and Treaty rights.

In her statement, Sawhney said amendments to the provincial Referendum Act reaffirm that a results of a referendum cannot be implemented if they contravene sections 1 to 35.1 of Canada’s Constitution, which includes Indigenous and Treaty rights.

Grand Chief Mercredi said the potential referendum did not solely spark the non-confidence vote — but it was the final straw for First Nations chiefs in the province.

The vote, he said, culminated from the government’s failure to build relationships with Indigenous groups, specifically when it comes to legislation, for at least a year.

Mercredi pointed to several recent pieces of proposed legislation that could negatively affect the health and safety of Indigenous communities, including Bill 7, which would change interbasin water transfers; Bill 11, which would allow doctors to work in public and private health care alike; and Bill 13, which would limit investigations into Alberta workers in regulated professions for what they say outside of work.

To him, those bills lacked Indigenous consultation, he said.

“The hope would be that [the government] can work with the First Nations, but we just don’t see it because we’ve been trying,” he said.

“It’s really concerning because it’s hard to have a seat at the same table with somebody when you don’t trust them, when you have no confidence that they’re going to take your issues seriously.”

Kehewin Cree Nation Okinaw (Chief) Vernon Watchmaker said the government has failed to uphold treaty promises, which has led to underfunded health, housing and social programs. But its response toward the potential separation referendum, in particular, is also discouraging.

“We’re seeing a higher level of racism that we haven’t seen in a long time. And to bring this type of energy, and bringing it on to the mainstream again, is something that’s very concerning,” Watchmaker said.

He hopes the non-confidence vote will encourage the Alberta government to address First Nations’ concerns and work toward a mutually beneficial co-existence framework.

Mercredi said he hesitates to believe that the provincial government will respond to the asks that come with the non-confidence vote.

He also wants the government to denounce rising separatist rhetoric, he added.