On Final Day of Tour, Prince Charles Calls for Understanding of “Pain and Suffering” of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples

Charles and Camilla

During their royal tour of Canada, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall — seen here yesterday greeting local schoolchildren in Ottawa — will speak with Cassidy Caron, the president of the Métis National Council, who says she plans to request that Queen Elizabeth apologize to residential school survivors. The royal couple also met with Ukrainian refugees at an Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa. Photo: Carlos Osorio/POOL/Canadian Press

Prince Charles believes the “pain and suffering” of Canada’s indigenous people must be understood.

The 73-year-old royal delivered a passionate speech during the final hours of his three-day tour on Thursday and admitted he had been “deeply moved” after meeting the survivors of the residential school scandal, who were taken from their families and sent to church-run institutions, with many subjected to abuse.

Praising their “courage” in speaking out, Charles admitted he and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, “want to acknowledge their suffering and to say how much our hearts go out to them and their families.”

He added: “All leaders have shared with me the importance of advancing reconciliation in Canada.

“We must listen to the truth of the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, and we should work to understand better their pain and suffering.

“We all have a responsibility to listen, understand and act in ways that foster relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada.”

While Charles stopped short of apologizing on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, for the “assimilation and genocide” of Canada’s indigenous children, many of his remarks had been added at the last minute after hearing from the survivors, indigenous community leaders and Canada’s Governor General during the tour, as he had reportedly only originally planned to speak briefly about the trip, the environment and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Instead, speaking in Yellowknife, he said: “Our visit has enabled us to deepen our understanding of this important moment in Canada’s journey.”

Earlier in the day, Charles and Camilla visited the remote community of Dettah, where there whole community of 220 turned out to see them.

The royal couple were welcomed with a Feeding the Fire Ceremony — where tobacco was thrown into a fire pit to the sound of drums — before hearing prayers to the spirits and then going their separate ways for different engagements.

Charles met with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation leadership and joined in with the traditional conga-like Dene Drum Dance.

Jennifer Drygeese said afterwards: “He was really good, he had rhythm. He really looked like he enjoyed himself.

“It means a lot to us. He just got up and danced. He looked like he has done it before.”

Chief Edward added: “It was awesome. He fitted right in. It shows he really does care about the community.”

Camilla went to a local school with just 32 pupils, where she joined a language lesson and watched art made from dyed fish scales.

She presented them with a stack of books, and in return was given a fluffy stress ball made of beaver fur.

She laughed and said: “Everybody needs a stress ball.”

 

May 19, 2022

 

“Full of Admiration”: Prince Charles Praises Canada’s Welcoming of Refugees in Meeting With Justin Trudeau

Charles and Camilla wrapped up their time in Ottawa on Wednesday at Rideau Hall, where the Prince of Wales met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The pair joined a round table on “sustainable finance” to highlight market-based solutions to climate change, an issue Prince Charles champions in much of his service as senior royal.

“It’s wonderful to be able to sit down with you to talk about so many things that are going on in Canada and continue the work that you have been doing on the environment and so many different issues that matter. It’s a real pleasure to welcome you here,” Trudeau said to Charles.

“It is always a joy to come to Canada,” the prince responded.

In a Twitter post Wednesday evening, Trudeau reminisced about his first meeting with The Prince of Wales at nine years old and lauded his commitment to Canadians and “building a cleaner future.”

Charles also took a moment to praise Canada for its welcoming of refugees, something he witnessed first hand as he joined Ukrainian refugees in prayer at the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral earlier in the day.

“We have met all sorts of people and I must say I am so full of admiration for the Canadian approach to welcoming so many people who are displaced from all these conflict-ridden parts of the world,” he said.

“So many communities and individuals have sponsored refugees. It is remarkable how welcoming everyone was.”

Charles also visited a group of women who fled conflict in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the solo portion of Camilla’s Ottawa itinerary included a visit to a school in Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood, where she read to students and promoted literacy projects.

The royal couple’s Rideau Hall visit also included a meeting with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who called the meeting “a chance for us to showcase the evolution of our country, our diverse and inclusive society, as well as the resilience of Indigenous communities.”

Charles’ earlier promise to learn from Indigenous communities during the tour is reflected in the royal couple’s schedule in the Northwest Territories today, the final stop on their three-day tour.

First, they’ll head to Dene First Nation community of Dettah, where Prince Charles will speak with First Nation chiefs and learn about Indigenous-led solutions to climate change.

Later, the duchess will visit another school to hear about programs aimed at preserving Indigenous languages.

Taking on a more socially conscious tone than the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s controversial tour of the Caribbean, Charles and Camilla have not encountered any protests in their travels and have been well-received on all of their stops so far.

Still, ahead of the future King and Queen Consort’s arrival, some members of the indigenous community in Canada called for the British Royal Family to acknowledge the role the crown had in colonization and the harm it caused First Nation people.

For his part, Charles has not shied away from the tour’s focus on Indigenous-Crown relations.

“As we look to our collective future as one people, sharing one planet, we must find new ways to come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past,” Charles said during a speech on the first day of the tour in St. John’s. “Acknowledging, reconciling and striving to do better — it is a process that starts with listening.”

The tour will conclude with with a celebration in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Yellowknife.

—Andrew Wright

 

May 18, 2022

 

Prince Charles and Camilla Meet Ukrainian Refugees at Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall prayed with Ukrainian refugees in Canada on Wednesday.

The royal couple are on a three-day tour of the country and on their second day, they joined the Ukrainian-Canadian community at the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, where they heard special thanks for the assistance of the British in the war against Russia, and a particular message of gratitude for the royal family.

They also met with people who had fled the conflict.

 

The Very Reverend Volodymyr Kouchnir told them: “Today, your country is truly a friend to Ukraine.

“Having extended a helping hand to our military but also as fellow citizens of our planet.

“We shall never, never, never forget that.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Royal Family, to Her Majesty, and to you personally for your help and support for Ukraine which today is fighting for democratic values and the chance to live as part of the European family.

“God grant you many, many blessed years.”

Charles appeared moved when he was told how the funeral of his father, Prince Philip, had bestowed “great honour” on the Orthodox church.

Dr. Jennie Dutchak, 85, told the prince she had cried when she heard the Russian Kontakion of the Departed, translated by William John Birkbeck, played at the service last year.

She added: “I thank you personally. May his soul rest in peace.”

The 73-year-old royal held her arm and thanked her for words.

Speaking afterwards, Jennie said: “A year ago, at his funeral, his father chose a special hymn.

“Our choir sing it here and it moved me to tears to have a choir sing it at a royal funeral. It was jubilation.

“It is a great honour for every Orthodox Christian that he recognised its sacred beauty. We are all proud.”

Elsewhere on their visit to Ottowa, Charles and Camilla enjoyed a display of the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their distinctive red uniforms, and visited a local food market.

Maple producer Rupert Hupe showed the couple his bottles of syrups and maple sweets.

Charles said: “It’s great stuff, great stuff. It’s good for you”.

The pair also met with “newcomer” families – refugees who have been welcomed to the region – at a local school.

Charles appeared moved when he was told how the funeral of his father, Prince Philip, had bestowed “great honour” on the Orthodox church.

Dr. Jennie Dutchak, 85, told the prince she had cried when she heard the Russian Kontakion of the Departed, translated by William John Birkbeck, played at the service last year.

She added: “I thank you personally. May his soul rest in peace.”

The 73-year-old royal held her arm and thanked her for words.

Speaking afterwards, Jennie said: “A year ago, at his funeral, his father chose a special hymn.

“Our choir sing it here and it moved me to tears to have a choir sing it at a royal funeral. It was jubilation.

“It is a great honour for every Orthodox Christian that he recognised its sacred beauty. We are all proud.”

Elsewhere on their visit to Ottowa, Charles and Camilla enjoyed a display of the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their distinctive red uniforms, and visited a local food market.

Maple producer Rupert Hupe showed the couple his bottles of syrups and maple sweets.

Charles said: “It’s great stuff, great stuff. It’s good for you.”

The pair also met with “newcomer” families – refugees who have been welcomed to the region — at a local school.

— Reuters

 

Charles and Camilla to Meet with Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon Ahead of Platinum Jubilee Reception in Ottawa

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ottawa on the second day of their royal tour of Canada today.

The three-day tour, which marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, began in Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday. At an official welcome ceremony, Prince Charles reflected on his family’s history in Canada and even passed along a message from the Queen.

“The Queen asked me to express her best wishes in this special year and express her deep affection for Canada and all Canadians. Throughout her life since her first visit to Canada in 1951, Her Majesty became very attached to Canada,” Charles said.

“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems to me to be particularly apt that the unifying theme for the Platinum Jubilee is the celebration of people and ‘service’ — service to family, to community and to country,” he added. “If I may say so, this goes to the heart of what makes Canada so special, and what my family and I have long admired so greatly about this country.”

 

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive in St John’s on May 17, 2022 in St Johns, Canada. Photo: Jacob King/Pool/Getty Images

 

The royal couple’s first stop in Ottawa was Rideau Hall, where Prince Charles was invested as an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

Their packed itinerary also includes a meeting with members and organizations from the Canadian Ukrainian community at the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, a visit to the National War Memorial and a meeting with a group of women who fled conflict in Afghanistan.

In the afternoon, Camilla and Charles will return to Rideau Hall to meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and talk to a group of Canadian stakeholders about the importance of sustainable finance in fighting climate change, a cause Prince Charles has devoted his charity work to for years.

Later, the couple will return to Rideau Hall where they’ll be hosted by Gov. Gen. Simon before attending a Platinum Jubilee reception.

Last month, Simon, the first Indigenous person to serve in the role, said the meeting was “a chance for us to showcase the evolution of our country, our diverse and inclusive society, as well as the resilience of Indigenous communities.”

 

Royal Tour Tracker
Britain’s Prince Charles shakes hands with Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon, while attending the Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. Photo: Carlos Osorio/POOL/Canadian Press

 

The tour itself will focus heavily on Indigenous issues, with the future King and Queen Consort meeting with Indigenous communities and leaders on the third leg of their trip in the Northwest Territories tomorrow.

“As we look to our collective future as one people, sharing one planet, we must find new ways to come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past,” Charles said Tuesday in St. John’s. “Acknowledging, reconciling and striving to do better — it is a process that starts with listening.”

—Andrew Wright

 

May 17, 2022

 

Canadians Not Preoccupied With Constitutional Change, Justin Trudeau Says as Prince Charles and Camilla Start Tour

Canadians are not preoccupied with constitutional change, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters as Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla kicked off their Canadian tour in the eastern province of Newfoundland on Tuesday.

“When I hear from Canadians about the things they’re preoccupied about, and the things they want their governments to work on, it’s not about constitutional change,” he said.

The three-day tour, the prince’s 19th of Canada, will include the Northwest Territories and Canada’s capital region, and is focused on the issues of climate change and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

The visit is also part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne.

 

Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive for their Canadian 2022 Royal Tour in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada May 17, 2022. Photo: Carlos Osorio/Reuters

 

An opinion poll released by the Angus Reid research group in April shows a growing share of Canadians support eventually abolishing the country’s constitutional monarchy, with about 51% saying it should disappear in coming generations, up from 45% in January 2020.

Although Canada ceased being a British colony in 1867, it remained a member of the British Commonwealth, with a British-appointed governor-general acting on the monarch’s behalf.

Tuesday’s events were to include a smudging ceremony – an Indigenous spiritual practice that usually involves burning medicines such as sweetgrass, cedar, sage or tobacco — and a prayer in the Heart Garden in St. John’s, a site that commemorates the child victims of Canada’s residential schools.

Under the auspices of Canada’s federal government and in the name of the Crown about 150,000 indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and enrolled in abusive church-run residential schools between 1831 and 1996.

Canada was rocked last year by discoveries of what is believed to be the remains of thousands of children at or near the sites of former residential schools. Canada’s government was warned of high death rates in these schools, often due to abuse or neglect, more than a century ago.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; additional reporting by Steve Scherer in Ottawa; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

—Reuters

 

Indigenous Canadians Call for Royal Family to Acknowledge Harm Caused by Colonization Ahead of Charles and Camilla’s Visit

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive for a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 11, 2022 in London, England. Photo: Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images

As Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla prepare to visit Canada this week, some members of the indigenous community are calling on the British Royal Family to formally acknowledge the harm colonization did to First Nations people. The royal couple will arrive in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday on a three-day trip that will include stops in Ottawa and the Northwest Territories and focus on the issues of reconciliation with indigenous peoples and climate change.

The impact of colonization, the residential school system and the loss of lands is what the crown represents, Mary Teegee, the executive director of child and family services at Carrier Sekani Family Services in the province of British Columbia, told Reuters.

“They also have to understand that they are not the leaders in our nation,” Teegee said, adding that recognition of the harms of colonization are needed rather than just a “trite” apology.

Although Canada ceased being a colony of Britain in 1867, it remained a member of the British Empire, with a British-appointed governor-general acting on behalf of the monarch.

And it was under the guise of the crown and Canada’s federal government that some 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and enrolled in a Christian-run network of residential schools between 1831 and 1996.

That policy, described by some as a form of cultural genocide, and survivors’ accounts of harsh, paramilitary-like conditions have been under the microscope since the discovery in 2021 of the remains of more than 200 children buried in unmarked areas on the grounds of one such school in B.C.

Indigenous
A child’s red dress hangs on a stake near the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School after the remains of 215 children, some as young as three years old, were found at the site in Kamloops, British Columbia. Photo: Jennifer Gauthier/File Photo/Reuters

 

CBC News on Monday quoted Cassidy Caron, the president of the Métis National Council, an indigenous group, as saying Queen Elizabeth should apologize to the residential school survivors.

Caron said she plans to deliver that message when she meets Charles, the heir to the British throne, and Camilla during their visit, which is part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking the Queen’s seven decades on the throne.

 

“Distant Alien Thing”

 

Jess Housty, a community organizer for the Heiltsuk Nation in B.C., said that while she doesn’t care about the visit, it’s hard to ignore the colonial past and the “bad relations that have happened for centuries.”

The monarchy is “this distant alien thing that feels really irrelevant in my life and work,” Housty said.

Prince Charles and Camilla
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Canada House in London last week ahead of their royal tour of Canada. Photo: Hannah McKay/Pool/File Photo/Reuters

 

An opinion poll released by the Angus Reid research group in April shows support among Canadians to abolish the country’s constitutional monarchy rising, with about 51 per cent saying it should disappear in coming generations, up from 45 per cent in January 2020.

While acknowledging there were a lot of people in her community who didn’t actively support the monarchy, Housty conceded that many had been excited when Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate visited her area in 2016.

That excitement is on display once again this week, said St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen, who told Reuters that the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is looking forward to the arrival of Charles and Camilla.

“People have respect for the Queen and have respect for the family,” Breen said.