On the 150th anniversary of Treaty No. 6, Saddle Lake Cree Nation announced it will create a safe haven for gender-affirming care on its lands and territories—a historic assertion of Indigenous health jurisdiction that sets a national precedent.
The move responds to Alberta Bills 26, 27 and 29, which severely restrict trans youth and families, including bans on medical care, name and pronoun changes, and sports participation. The province invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield the legislation from Charter challenges, leaving trans youth with few legal protections.
Saddle Lake Cree Nation is developing a health law to regulate care on its territory, welcoming Canadian-trained clinicians to provide gender-affirming, primary and specialist care.
“When we were being stolen from our parents and experienced Genocide in Indian Residential Schools, we wondered, ‘Who are the people that will help us?'” said Okimawskwew Chief Dale Steinhauer. “Today, we are those people. Today we offer our help, support and jurisdiction to override these dehumanizing laws.”
Dr. James Makokis, a Nehiyo Two Spirit family physician, framed the Nation’s action as both a treaty right and a moral obligation, and said, “The Saddle Lake Cree Nation categorically rejects these attacks on all gender diverse peoples, ensuring that life-affirming healthcare remains accessible, safe and protected from external political interference.”
For healthcare providers across Ontario and beyond, Saddle Lake Cree Nation’s leadership offers a powerful example of how Indigenous sovereignty can protect access to care.