Voices from the Margins: Darren Grimes' Open Letter to Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Push for Alberta Independence
- Jason
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
January 10th, 2026
by: Jason LaFace
In a bold and provocative open letter published on January 3, 2026, Treaty Indian Darren Grimes challenged the leadership of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation over their lawsuit against the Alberta government. The suit alleges that the province improperly enabled the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) to collect signatures for a referendum on Alberta's independence from Canada. Grimes, writing from his perspective as an Indigenous Albertan, questions why First Nations leaders are opposing a potential shift that could break free from what he describes as a failing federal system.
Grimes' letter pulls no punches, asking pointedly: "What, exactly, about the current system is good enough for you?" He highlights stark statistics on Indigenous hardships under federal oversight, including Indigenous children comprising roughly 54% of those in foster care, suicide and addiction rates up to eight times higher than the general population, and overcrowded, dependent communities despite record government spending.
He accuses chiefs of being "bought off, managed, or absorbed into the system," rewarding compliance over real progress, and calls for an open discussion among all Alberta Nations rather than unilateral decisions. "Our people deserve an answer," Grimes concludes, urging a defense of the status quo based on results, not slogans.
This letter arrives amid growing momentum for Alberta independence, driven by frustrations with federal policies that many Albertans view as punitive and overreaching. Key reasons include opposition to the carbon tax, which is seen as harming the energy sector; unfair equalization payments that transfer Alberta's wealth to other provinces; restrictions on resource development; and a desire for greater provincial sovereignty in areas like immigration, healthcare, and environmental regulation. Proponents argue that independence would allow Alberta to negotiate fairer trade deals, retain more revenue, and escape Ottawa's perceived interference, fostering economic prosperity and self-determination.
Recent polls show about one in five Albertans supporting separation, though organizers claim broader undercurrents of discontent.
At the heart of this movement is Stay Free Alberta's citizen-initiated petition, approved by Elections Alberta and launched on January 2, 2026. The petition seeks a referendum with the question: "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?" To succeed, it requires at least 177,732 valid signatures (10% of eligible voters from the last provincial election) within 120 days, with a goal of 1,000,000 to demonstrate overwhelming support.
If successful, a referendum could be held as early as fall 2026.
To sign, eligible voters—those 18+, Canadian citizens, and Alberta residents for at least six months—must do so in person at designated locations. Stay Free Alberta's website (stayfreealberta.com) lists signing events, such as the inaugural gathering in Water Valley and ongoing spots in Red Deer, Didsbury, and beyond.
Volunteers can help collect signatures by registering as canvassers on the site. Proponent Mitch Sylvestre and organizers like Jeffrey Rath emphasize this as a historic opportunity for Albertans to voice their future.
Grimes' letter ties Indigenous perspectives into this broader debate, suggesting independence could enable land ownership, development, and self-governance free from federal "trust" that has perpetuated dependency.
While Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation seeks an injunction to halt the petition, voices like Grimes argue it's time for First Nations to explore alternatives rather than defend a broken status quo. As the signature drive ramps up, Alberta's independence push continues to stir passionate discussions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to "stay free."
Email: jason@albertaradio.ca
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