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(Image Credit: Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations)
By Nathaniel Leigh
Treaty 8

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta change name to Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations

Aug 5, 2026 | 3:11 PM

The collective representing First Nations in Treaty 8 territories has undergone a name change.

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta officially changed its name to Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations by unanimous vote at the 2026 Honouring Our Treaty gathering and Annual General Meeting in late July.

Officials say the name change is intended to more accurately reflect and reinforce First Nation sovereignty in the territory in response to the recent political climate.

“Our Nations were sovereign long before the creation of Alberta, and no government has the authority to diminish our Treaty rights,” said Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi. “This name reflects who we have always been: sovereign Nations united by Treaty No. 8. This historic change sends a clear message that we will stand together and defend our Treaty, our people, and our future.”

During the AGM, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine was re-elected as Deputy Grand Chief for the newly named Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations.

“I’m grateful to the Chiefs of Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations for placing their faith in me once again,” said Deputy Grand Chief Sunshine. “The challenges before us are significant, and we must continue the momentum we have created. I also want to give special thanks to my Council, who have done a commendable job taking on additional responsibilities during my time as Deputy Grand Chief. Over the next year, I look forward to continuing to demonstrate the power Treaty No. 8 holds when we stand together.”

The Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dene Nation to establish a formal partnership to protect and preserve the waters that connect their territories.

by Nathaniel Leigh