B.C. First Nations leaders call on King Charles for change as some caught 'between two worlds'
Indigenous leaders are calling on the newly-confirmed King of the Commonwealth and Canada to renounce a controversial colonial policy as British Columbians of mixed heritage face conflicting emotions about the Queen’s death.
The First Nations Leadership Council issued a statement offering the Royal Family condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but also called on King Charles III to renounce the “doctrine of discovery,” which justified the colonial acquisition of land and is now widely denounced.
“As the reigning monarch now, King Charles is in the position to correct these historic wrongs immediately,” said Kukpi7 Judy Wilson in an interview with CTV News. “He could do whatever he needs to do to revoke it…to have a full relationship with Indigenous people as proper title-holders of this land.”
While Canada officially rejected the doctrine last year as "racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and socially unjust," but many Indigenous leaders want to see that acknowledgment from the Royal Family, which benefited from the exploitation of colonies around the world.
CONFLICTING TIME FOR THOSE WITH DUAL HERITAGE
While many have been voicing their sadness at the passing of the long-reigning Queen, Indigenous activists across Canada and the world have been quick to point to the cruel history of the British Empire. and the injustices of Canada’s residential schools and land seizures as reasons not to mourn her passing.
Increasingly, people like Candace Crockford are speaking up about being stuck “between two worlds” as they watch the discussion unfold: born and raised on the Katzie reserve in the Fraser Valley and educating children as a cultural facilitator, she also has deep compassion for the Queen’s family.
“An elder passed away and she deserves that time and honour and respect,” she said, explaining her mother is Indigenous and her father moved to Canada from Britain when he was 12.
Crockford, who was named Caxcexem in a traditional ceremony upon graduating high school, describes a whipsaw of emotions as she sees social media discussions about the dark side of colonialism and the affection for Queen Elizabeth II.
“It's hard to really balance and merge those two feelings,” she said. “There's no real middle ground - you'll feel one way on second and then flip to another.”
AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT BUT NOT AN APOLOGY
On his last visit to Canada in May, then-Prince Charles stopped short of the apology many had been hoping for, though he did address the horrors residential school survivors faced.
“I want to acknowledge their suffering and to say how much our hearts go out to them and their families,” he told a crowd in Yellowknife.
In a country increasingly confronting the ugly realities of our colonial past, some will be feeling conflicting emotions and allegiances as all eyes are on Charles to see what further steps he may take as he assumes the crown in the wake of his mother’s death.
“I completely understand why Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island have this feeling of anger and angst about her being celebrated,” said Crockford. “But at the same time, I wish I could sit with my dad and have a cup of tea and watch this story play out.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.