Canadians owe First Nations a real debt of gratitude right now.

While Smith and others are talking about Alberta separation like it’s a game of checkers, a lot of First Nations leaders are reminding people that

Treaties exist. History exists. Responsibilities exist. You can’t just rip a country apart because you're frustrated with Ottawa.

There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing Indigenous leaders defend unity in Canada after everything this country has put them through. Whether people agree politically or not, that deserves respect.

I love my Indigenous family members. My uncle and my cousins mean a lot to me. I’ve watched them deal with their rights being ignored and pushed aside for generations.

And now, at a time when this country feels more divided than ever, they’re standing up not just for their own rights, but for mine too. I’ll never take that for granted.