Updated FAQ on neutrality bylaws

Alberta Municipalities has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on neutrality bylaws to include flags representing Indigenous governments, treaties and neighbouring municipalities.

The revisions were made following recent discussions with our partners at the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.

In Alberta, treaty flags symbolize agreements between the Crown, as represented by the Government of Canada, and First Nations in each territory. Treaties and the Nations included within them represent sovereign government entities recognized in the Canadian constitution and are therefore distinct from political, religious, and social movements. More information on the First Nations organizations which represent treaties in Alberta can be found here.

The Government of Alberta also has relationships with Métis Settlements and organizations representing the Métis. Information on these relationships can be found here.

While municipalities do not have constitutional standing, municipal governments are established by provincial legislation. Municipalities may fly flags representing First Nations, Métis governments, and neighbouring municipalities to represent government-to-government relationships. These flags symbolize the investments leaders have made to build and maintain relationships between communities.