Alberta First Nation invokes treaty clause to set up gender-affirming care
21 days ago
- Saddle Lake Cree Nation plans to establish a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care for children under 16, defying Alberta's provincial law backed by Premier Danielle Smith's government.
- The First Nation invokes the 'medicine chest clause' from Treaty 6 (1876), arguing health care is an inherent right, and rejects the provincial ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender and two-spirit youth.
- Critics warn the move deepens divisions between First Nations and the UCP government, while LGBTQ2S+ advocates applaud the decision as evidence-based and rights-affirming.
- Saddle Lake seeks clinicians to provide care on reserve land, with exemption from regulatory sanctions, and is fundraising to defend its health law against legal challenges.