The Alberta government issued an apology for an error in Premier Danielle Smith’s statement commemorating the province’s 121st birthday. The original statement acknowledged the enduring connection and stewardship of the land by Indigenous Peoples, but the updated version omitted this reference. The French version retained the mention of Indigenous people while the updated English version did not.
During a press conference on education investments, Smith referred to the updated statement as a “glitch” and expressed uncertainty about why the change was made. Provincial spokesperson Yonathan Sumamo confirmed that the updated version was released in error and that the original statement remains valid. Sumamo apologized for any confusion caused by the error.
Trevor Mercredi, grand chief of the Treaty 8 First Nations, expressed concern over the removal of the Indigenous reference, emphasizing the integral role of First Nations in Alberta’s history and future. He stated that Treaty Nations have always been part of the province’s story and cannot be marginalized for political convenience.
Smith later acknowledged the diverse cultures and communities, including Indigenous peoples, that have contributed to building the province. She emphasized the importance of celebrating everyone’s contributions to Alberta’s development. The updated statement remains on the premier’s social media platforms at present.
