ABOLISH THE MONARCHY
Prince Charles faces backlash over refusal to apologise for historic genocide in CanadaAndy Wells
·Freelance Writer
Thu, May 19, 2022
Prince Charles refused to apologise on behalf of the Queen for historic genocide in Canada.
(Paul Chiasson/AFP/Getty)
Prince Charles’ official trip to Canada has sparked a row after he failed to apologise on behalf of the Queen and the royal family for historic genocide in the country.
The country is dealing with a national scandal stretching back decades that saw thousands of indigenous children die or be abused in the residential school system, with hundreds of human remains discovered last year at former church-run schools.
In a speech during the first day of his tour of Canada with the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles pledged to listen and learn from Canadians embarking on a process of reconciliation to “come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past”.
When the couple first arrived in the country they visited a Heart Garden in the east coast settlement of St John’s, dedicated to the victims of the residential school scandal, and met survivors during a ceremony of remembrance in the open space.
Prince Charles’ official trip to Canada has sparked a row after he failed to apologise on behalf of the Queen and the royal family for historic genocide in the country.
The country is dealing with a national scandal stretching back decades that saw thousands of indigenous children die or be abused in the residential school system, with hundreds of human remains discovered last year at former church-run schools.
In a speech during the first day of his tour of Canada with the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles pledged to listen and learn from Canadians embarking on a process of reconciliation to “come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past”.
When the couple first arrived in the country they visited a Heart Garden in the east coast settlement of St John’s, dedicated to the victims of the residential school scandal, and met survivors during a ceremony of remembrance in the open space.
Prince Charles, pictured with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, pledged to listen and learn from Canadians embarking on a process of reconciliation.
(Chris Jackson/Getty)
RoseAnne Archibald, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, appealed directly to Charles for an apology from the monarch during a reception in the Canadian capital where many leading figures from the country’s indigenous community were invited, along with prime minister Justin Trudeau and other prominent individuals.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recently visited Canada and apologised for the “terrible crime” of the Anglican Church’s involvement in the country’s residential schools – and for his church’s “grievous sins” against the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Pope Francis plans to visit Canada this summer to apologise for the abuse suffered by indigenous people at the hands of the Catholic Church.
Watch: Charles aiming to 'come to terms' with Canada's dark past
We're going to back up.
However, Charles would not apologise for the “assimilation and genocide”, but instead “acknowledged” failures by Canadian governments in handling the relationship between the Crown and indigenous people which “really meant something”.
Archibald said: “I asked for an apology from his mother the Queen, the head of the Anglican church, for whatever happened in the institutions of assimilation and genocide. I also asked for an apology for the failures of the Crown in that relationship that we have with them, in our treaty relationship with them.
“One of the things that he did say about the relationship was that he recognised there had been failures by those who are responsible for that relationship with the Crown and I thought that was a really, not a surprising thing that he said, but that kind of acknowledgement really meant something.”
RoseAnne Archibald, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, appealed directly to Charles for an apology from the monarch during a reception in the Canadian capital where many leading figures from the country’s indigenous community were invited, along with prime minister Justin Trudeau and other prominent individuals.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recently visited Canada and apologised for the “terrible crime” of the Anglican Church’s involvement in the country’s residential schools – and for his church’s “grievous sins” against the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Pope Francis plans to visit Canada this summer to apologise for the abuse suffered by indigenous people at the hands of the Catholic Church.
Watch: Charles aiming to 'come to terms' with Canada's dark past
We're going to back up.
However, Charles would not apologise for the “assimilation and genocide”, but instead “acknowledged” failures by Canadian governments in handling the relationship between the Crown and indigenous people which “really meant something”.
Archibald said: “I asked for an apology from his mother the Queen, the head of the Anglican church, for whatever happened in the institutions of assimilation and genocide. I also asked for an apology for the failures of the Crown in that relationship that we have with them, in our treaty relationship with them.
“One of the things that he did say about the relationship was that he recognised there had been failures by those who are responsible for that relationship with the Crown and I thought that was a really, not a surprising thing that he said, but that kind of acknowledgement really meant something.”
Hundreds of women participated in the annual Red Dress Day march in downtown Edmonton, commemorating the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls across Canada. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Getty)
A participant holds a placard with words 'Stolen Lives On Stolen Land' on the Red Dress Day march. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Getty)
However, Archibald said the acknowledgement was “not enough” and that an apology “will just be one step on the road to healing for First Nations”.
She presented Charles with statements from two indigenous leaders highlighting claims that promises enshrined in treaties between their people and the Crown had not been honoured and asking for their grievances to be addressed.
A sign hounours missing children of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School on the grounds of the former residential school, in Brantford, Canada.
(Cole Burston/AFP/Getty)
Cassidy Caron, Metis National Council president, who had said before the event she would also raise the question of an apology from the Queen, said Charles was “listening” and “acknowledging” what had happened in Canada’s past which was “very important” for the country
Caron, who represents the Metis, a distinct indigenous people, originally the offspring of Indian women and European fur traders, said: “It might not have been so much of looking for the words of an apology, but in our culture it’s important to acknowledge what has happened in the past. Acknowledge the roles that individuals and institutions might have played in colonisation.
“And in the last day I have really truly seen that Prince Charles is listening and is acknowledging what has taken place in Canada’s past and that’s very important here in Canada as we continue to move forward.”
Cassidy Caron, Metis National Council president, who had said before the event she would also raise the question of an apology from the Queen, said Charles was “listening” and “acknowledging” what had happened in Canada’s past which was “very important” for the country
Caron, who represents the Metis, a distinct indigenous people, originally the offspring of Indian women and European fur traders, said: “It might not have been so much of looking for the words of an apology, but in our culture it’s important to acknowledge what has happened in the past. Acknowledge the roles that individuals and institutions might have played in colonisation.
“And in the last day I have really truly seen that Prince Charles is listening and is acknowledging what has taken place in Canada’s past and that’s very important here in Canada as we continue to move forward.”
Prince Charles Addresses U.K.'s 'Dark' and 'Difficult' Colonial Past in Canada amid Calls for an Apology
Stephanie Petit
Tue, May 17, 2022
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends the Confederation Building on day one of the Platinum Jubilee Royal Tour of Canada on May 17, 2022 in Saint John's, Canada. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are visiting for three days from 17th to 19th May 2022. The tour forms part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Arthur Edwards - Pool/Getty Prince Charles
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Canada — and the royal heir wasted no time in addressing the need to "come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past."
Prince Charles, 73, gave a speech at the Confederation Building shortly after landing, thanking Canadians for their warm welcome as they kick off a three-day tour in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, as Canada is one of the 14 countries outside of the U.K. where the Queen is head of state.
"It is with the greatest respect that both my wife and I begin our visit to these homelands that have been lived in and cared for by Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Métis and Inuit — for thousands of years," he began.
Prince Charles said he had spoken with the Governor-General about the "vital process" of reconciliation in the wake of the mistreatment of Indigenous people of the region, particularly the children who were forcibly relocated from the 19th century to the 1970s by the Anglican Church — of which the Queen is the head.
RELATED: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Kick Off Their Royal Tour in Canada
Chris Jackson/Getty Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles
"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: acknowledging, reconciling and striving to do better. It is a process that starts with listening," he said. "I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss with the Governor-General the vital process of reconciliation in this country – not a one-off act, of course, but an ongoing commitment to healing, respect and understanding. I know that our visit here this week comes at an important moment — with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past and to forge a new relationship for the future."
He added, "As we begin this Platinum Jubilee visit, which will take us from the newest member of Confederation to among the oldest communities in the North — and to a much-storied capital at the heart of a great nation — my wife and I look forward to listening to you and learning about the future you are working to build."
Starting in the 19th century, thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and enrolled in a Christian-run network of residential schools — and last year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at the side of former residential schools for Indigenous children. The process started when Canada was still a British colony. In recent years, community leaders have called for an apology from the Anglican Church, which ran dozens of the schools until 1969.
After the speech, the royal couple took part "in a solemn moment of reflection and prayer at the Heart Garden, on the grounds of Government House, with Indigenous leaders and community members in the spirit of reconciliation," Chris Fitzgerald, Deputy Private Secretary said last month. "Heart Gardens are in memory of all Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, in recognition of those who survived, and the families of both."
Charles and Camilla are expected to focus on local communities, continuing a relationship the Prince of Wales has fostered over decades while on visits to Canada, during the tour.
"Throughout the tour, Their Royal Highnesses will take the opportunity to continue to engage with Indigenous communities. Over five decades, HRH continues to learn from Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world," Fitzgerald said. "[The Prince] recognizes their deep ties to the land and water and the critical traditional knowledge they hold to restore harmony between people and nature."
Jacob King/Pool/Getty Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Earlier this month, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby apologized for the "terrible crime" of the Anglican Church's involvement in the residential school system during a visit to Canada.
"I am more sorry than I can say. I am ashamed. I am horrified," Welby said after hearing stories from survivors.
In April, Pope Francis apologized for the involvement of Catholic church members.
"For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon," he said, according to Vatican News. "It is chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social effects that this continues to entail: unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas."
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the inaugural Commissioning Parade
Karwai Tang/WireImage
All eyes will be on Prince Charles and Camilla's reception by Canadians in the wake of Prince William and Kate Middleton's controversial tour of Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas as well as Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex's visit to other Caribbean countries — both of which were met with protests over Britain's colonial past and historic role in the slave trade and questions over Queen as head of state.
During his tour of the Caribbean, William, 39, expressed his "sorrow" at the "abhorrent" history of slavery that shames the U.K. — though for some, he didn't go far enough and actually apologize.
At the end of the tour, the Duke of Cambridge released a landmark statement, reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations.
"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon," he said.
Stephanie Petit
Tue, May 17, 2022
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends the Confederation Building on day one of the Platinum Jubilee Royal Tour of Canada on May 17, 2022 in Saint John's, Canada. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are visiting for three days from 17th to 19th May 2022. The tour forms part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Arthur Edwards - Pool/Getty Prince Charles
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Canada — and the royal heir wasted no time in addressing the need to "come to terms with the darker and more difficult aspects of the past."
Prince Charles, 73, gave a speech at the Confederation Building shortly after landing, thanking Canadians for their warm welcome as they kick off a three-day tour in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, as Canada is one of the 14 countries outside of the U.K. where the Queen is head of state.
"It is with the greatest respect that both my wife and I begin our visit to these homelands that have been lived in and cared for by Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Métis and Inuit — for thousands of years," he began.
Prince Charles said he had spoken with the Governor-General about the "vital process" of reconciliation in the wake of the mistreatment of Indigenous people of the region, particularly the children who were forcibly relocated from the 19th century to the 1970s by the Anglican Church — of which the Queen is the head.
RELATED: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Kick Off Their Royal Tour in Canada
Chris Jackson/Getty Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles
"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: acknowledging, reconciling and striving to do better. It is a process that starts with listening," he said. "I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss with the Governor-General the vital process of reconciliation in this country – not a one-off act, of course, but an ongoing commitment to healing, respect and understanding. I know that our visit here this week comes at an important moment — with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past and to forge a new relationship for the future."
He added, "As we begin this Platinum Jubilee visit, which will take us from the newest member of Confederation to among the oldest communities in the North — and to a much-storied capital at the heart of a great nation — my wife and I look forward to listening to you and learning about the future you are working to build."
Starting in the 19th century, thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and enrolled in a Christian-run network of residential schools — and last year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at the side of former residential schools for Indigenous children. The process started when Canada was still a British colony. In recent years, community leaders have called for an apology from the Anglican Church, which ran dozens of the schools until 1969.
After the speech, the royal couple took part "in a solemn moment of reflection and prayer at the Heart Garden, on the grounds of Government House, with Indigenous leaders and community members in the spirit of reconciliation," Chris Fitzgerald, Deputy Private Secretary said last month. "Heart Gardens are in memory of all Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, in recognition of those who survived, and the families of both."
Charles and Camilla are expected to focus on local communities, continuing a relationship the Prince of Wales has fostered over decades while on visits to Canada, during the tour.
"Throughout the tour, Their Royal Highnesses will take the opportunity to continue to engage with Indigenous communities. Over five decades, HRH continues to learn from Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world," Fitzgerald said. "[The Prince] recognizes their deep ties to the land and water and the critical traditional knowledge they hold to restore harmony between people and nature."
Jacob King/Pool/Getty Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Earlier this month, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby apologized for the "terrible crime" of the Anglican Church's involvement in the residential school system during a visit to Canada.
"I am more sorry than I can say. I am ashamed. I am horrified," Welby said after hearing stories from survivors.
In April, Pope Francis apologized for the involvement of Catholic church members.
"For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon," he said, according to Vatican News. "It is chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social effects that this continues to entail: unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas."
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the inaugural Commissioning Parade
Karwai Tang/WireImage
All eyes will be on Prince Charles and Camilla's reception by Canadians in the wake of Prince William and Kate Middleton's controversial tour of Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas as well as Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex's visit to other Caribbean countries — both of which were met with protests over Britain's colonial past and historic role in the slave trade and questions over Queen as head of state.
During his tour of the Caribbean, William, 39, expressed his "sorrow" at the "abhorrent" history of slavery that shames the U.K. — though for some, he didn't go far enough and actually apologize.
At the end of the tour, the Duke of Cambridge released a landmark statement, reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations.
"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon," he said.
Canadians not preoccupied with constitutional change, PM says as Prince Charles, Camilla start tour
Canadian 2022 Royal Tour of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall
Tue, May 17, 2022
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Steve Scherer
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadians are not preoccupied with constitutional change, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters as Britain's Prince Charles and his wife 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's seven decades on the throne.
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)
Canadian 2022 Royal Tour of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall
Tue, May 17, 2022
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Steve Scherer
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadians are not preoccupied with constitutional change, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters as Britain's Prince Charles and his wife 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's seven decades on the throne.
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)
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