Alberta’s recent provincial referendum faced logistical challenges in several First Nations communities, as Elections Alberta ran short of ballots on Monday, prompting criticism from Indigenous leaders who argued the agency failed to adequately support their participation in the vote. The referendum, which posed 10 questions on issues including Alberta’s continued membership in Canada and a potential follow-up vote on secession, as well as matters related to immigration and constitutional affairs, has drawn significant attention from First Nations groups concerned about its implications for treaty rights.

In a statement, Siksika Nation—a Southern Alberta community with nearly 8,000 members—highlighted the ballot shortages and long waits at polling stations. “It is unacceptable that First Nations communities continue to encounter barriers to participating fully in Alberta’s democratic processes,” said Siksika Chief Samuel Crowfoot. He emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to voting, noting the long history of Indigenous struggles to secure their democratic rights.

Elections Alberta responded that it had dispatched additional ballots to five First Nations, with Samson Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, and Ermineskin Cree Nation receiving multiple shipments. Whitefish First Nation and a polling station serving both Siksika Nation and Blood Tribe also received extra ballots, according to spokeswoman Michelle Gurney. She explained that the agency estimated ballot needs based on past voter data and had sent 1.5 times as many ballots as anticipated. Gurney described higher turnout in these areas as “a good news story,” reflecting increased voter engagement.

However, some Indigenous leaders viewed these shortcomings as a failure to appreciate the heightened political engagement of First Nations on an issue that directly intersects with their treaty rights. Jay Telegdi, senior manager of intergovernmental affairs for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, said the miscalculation was foreseeable given the vocal opposition among Indigenous communities to the referendum.

First Nations have mounted legal challenges to the referendum’s legality, asserting that a separation vote contravenes treaties with the Crown and violates the government’s duty to consult. Two Alberta courts have ruled that Indigenous peoples must be considered in decisions over provincial independence, with Court of King’s Bench Justice Colin Feasby stating in a December ruling that First Nations, as founding partners of Alberta, cannot be bypassed in discussions about the province’s future.

Ahead of the referendum, First Nations also raised concerns about limited access to advance polls, which ran from October 13 to 17 but reportedly suffered from staffing shortages. Voting results indicated strong opposition to separation in Indigenous communities. At Tallcree First Nation’s band office, all 102 voters rejected independence. Similarly, at an Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation polling place, only seven of 363 voters supported the province’s separation.

Elections Alberta has not released comprehensive turnout data specific to First Nations. Leading up to the vote, many Indigenous groups organized information sessions and public outreach efforts to encourage participation, often advocating for remaining part of Canada. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said in a statement that Indigenous and Alberta voters “turned out in huge numbers” to reject what she described as a “divisive proposal” that could cause disruption and uncertainty. “The results of this vote speak volumes: We are stronger together,” she added.