Prince Charles acknowledges residential school ‘suffering’ as Canada trip wraps up – National

Prince Charles He and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, say they left Canada with a deep understanding of housing schools as “heartfelt” after a visit to the royal family in the Northwest Territories.

Charles said he was deeply moved by the conversation with the survivors who bravely shared their school experiences on the three-day tour.

“I want to acknowledge their suffering and say how much our hearts contribute to them and their families,” Charles said Thursday night in front of hundreds of people with Yellowknife.

He said the couple realized that their visit had come at a critical time for Canada. The country has taken into account its history as tombs continue to be found on the site of the former housing school.

Early in the visit, leaders of the First Nations plenary session and the National Council of Metis sought an apology from the Queen as the head of the Anglican Church.

The prince has not responded to that request, but said community members and leaders everywhere emphasize the importance of reconciliation.

“We are all responsible for listening, understanding and acting in ways that foster relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada,” he said.

It was a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a feeling that NWT Premier Caroline Cochran echoed. She said she hopes the royal couple will have the opportunity to learn and reflect on the indigenous culture and history.

“An important aspect of the reconciliation is to listen to each other,” said the Prime Minister.

Mark Miller, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Relations, said that while all valid power lies with the government, not the Queen, he understands that comments from the royal family may be important to some indigenous peoples. ..

“There are subtle differences,” he said. “Some indigenous peoples, like non-indigenous peoples, don’t care too much. Many have deep ties to the royal family.”

Charles and Camilla participated in ceremonies and cultural events and learned about the indigenous languages ​​when their visit ended on the territory.

They were greeted by a large group in the Yellowknives DeneFirst Nation community in Deta. To the east of Yellowknife, First Nations has a population of just over 200, with dozens of people coming out to shake hands with couples and participate in firelight rituals.

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“It’s very emotional to me,” said 53-year-old Irene Drygies.

According to Drygies, her parents and grandparents will tell the story of Prince Charles when he met the royal family during a teenage 1970s tour. She gave Camilla a bunch of medicines to represent the women of her family and their history together.

Some First Nations members did not support the visit, he added, but they understand the power to introduce their community and culture.

Many of the visitors wore orange clothing and other items with the words “every child is important”, which represents the heritage of a housing school.

Throughout the tour, the couple focused on connecting with indigenous peoples and discussing climate change.

Charles walks along the partially melted coast of Great Slave Lake, the second largest lake in the Northwest Territories, highlighting the effects of climate change on the Detta Ice Road, which connects First Nations and Yellowknife in winter. We held an event.

Climate change experts were there to explain how warming temperatures shortened the ice road season, which is essential for isolated communities.

Dahti Tsetso, Deputy Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, told the prince how the practice of Dene culture takes care of the land.

“Land is part of us and we are part of land,” Tsetso said.

Charles said he witnessed the devastating effects of climate change during his stay in the north. He said it was clear that all leaders had to take urgent and decisive action.

“We need to learn practical lessons from traditional knowledge about how to treat our planet through deep connections with land and water.

“And above all, be aware that it is extremely important to consider the 7th generation of the fetus.”

Earlier, Robin Weber opened the door to Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center For Charles, as he did when he was 11 years old, more than 40 years ago. The prince opened a museum and archive building in 1979.

“Welcome back,” she said to Charles with a smile.

Charles also became an honorary Canadian Ranger at an event at Yellowknife. The Rangers are part of the Canadian Army Reserve in the north and isolated areas, and Prince William was awarded the same honor during his last visit.

The last royal visit to the Northwest Territories was in 2011, when the Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, were welcomed by a large number of people during the day’s stop in the north.

Charles and Camilla began their tours in Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday and headed to Ottawa for a reception at Rideau Hall on Wednesday. The couple also attended a church service at the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and met a family exiled by the Russian invasion.

Before leaving Yellowknife, the prince said he was grateful for the warm welcome throughout Canada.

“We closely follow the next chapter of this country’s remarkable story, and do so with the utmost love and praise for Canada and all that Canadians represent in the world.”