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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Documents reveal Canada praised Haitian sanctioned over alleged gangland connections
A Canadian diplomat and an RCMP officer heaped praise and gratitude on a sanctioned Haitian businessman that Global Affairs accuses of gangland connections, after he allowed a helicopter airlift of Canadian citizens and police at his luxury golf course last month, emails provided by his lawyers suggest.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.