Cultural visit
Canoeing, fishing planned as Royal Tour heads to Haida Gwaii
First Nations art and a coastal fishing trip were on the itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they spent their final full day in Canada at the remote West Coast archipelago of Haida Gwaii.
The islands, located about 100 kilometres off the coast, were known as the Queen Charlotte Islands until 2009 when the province and the Haida Nation reached a historic reconciliation agreement. As a result the island chain went back to its original name.
Prince William and Kate began their tour of the islands with a canoe trip. They were immersed in the First Nation’s cultural heritage, as Haida warrior paddlers and drummers accompany them on the trip.
The royal couple were to visit the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum where they’d learn about the tradition of carving totems as well as other cultural practices including song and dance.
The cultural visit was to be followed by a tour of the region’s new hospital and health care centre, located at the Village of Queen Charlotte. The new facility ensures long-term care and maternity patients can stay within the remote community while receiving health services that previously were only offered in larger cities.
William and Kate capped off their tour of the coastal islands with a fishing trip. The area is renowned for offering some of the best salmon and halibut fishing in the world.
All eyes were on the royal couple’s children Thursday when the family hosted a garden party at Victoria’s Government House for children and families of military service members.
The royal family’s Canadian tour ends today.