National Post (National Edition)
Charles arrives in Canada amid calls for residential schools apology
Says `listening' crucial in effort `to do better'
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. • Prince Charles and Camilla began a three-day Canadian tour Tuesday in St. John's, N.L., where the prince spoke of the urgent need to come to terms with the “darker and more difficult aspects of the past.”
In a speech delivered in the foyer of the provincial legislature, the prince said the land that became Canada has been cared for by Indigenous people — First Nations, Métis and Inuit — for thousands of years.
“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,” he said. “It is a process that starts with listening.”
Charles said he had spoken with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon about the “vital process” of reconciliation.
“(It's) not a one-off act, of course, but an ongoing commitment to healing, respect and understanding,” he said.
“I know that our visit this week comes at an important moment with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada, committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past.”
Simon welcomed Charles and Camilla in her first language, Inuktitut.
“I encourage you to learn the truth of our history — the good and the bad,” she said.
“In this way, we will promote healing, understanding and respect.”
At the same event, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that the brief tour is also in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Queen's reign. Earlier in the day, Trudeau avoided answering when asked if he thinks the Queen should apologize for the legacy of residential schools.
“Reconciliation has been a fundamental priority for this government ever since we got elected, and there are many, many things that we all have to work on together,” he told reporters.
“But we know it's not just about government and Indigenous people. It's about everyone doing their part, and that's certainly a reflection that everyone's going to be having.”
Shortly before the royals' arrival, Cassidy Caron, president of the Métis National Council, called for the Queen to issue an apology as the country's head of state and leader of the Anglican Church.
“The royals have a moral responsibility to participate and contribute and advance reconciliation,” Caron said in Ottawa on Monday.
Caron is also seeking reparations for survivors, according to the CBC.
“There's so much healing that is needed,” Caron, who is planning to raise the matter with the royal couple on their Ottawa stop, told the CBC.
“We need basic human necessities in our communities and it stems from colonization. It stems from assimilation and some financial reparations are absolutely helpful in helping us move forward.”
The prince and the duchess arrived in St. John's aboard a Canadian government jet.
At the legislature, the couple were met by an honour guard and dignitaries.
Braving a cold wind on the front steps of the building, about 100 schoolchildren waved small Canadian and provincial flags.
Grade 6 student Anna Jeans said she was thrilled at the possibility she might get a high-five from Charles or Camilla.
“I'm very excited,” she said, bouncing on her toes. “It's a big opportunity for me.”
Nearby, Tara Kelly said she's long been a fan of the Royal Family.
“It's a fantasy,” she said. Inside the Confederation Building's foyer, the prince and the duchess looked on as Innu elder Elizabeth Penashue offered a blessing and Inuk soprano Deantha Edmunds sang “Sons of Labrador.”
The event began with a land acknowledgment honouring the province's five Indigenous groups as well as the Beothuk people, who were among the first inhabitants of Newfoundland.
Charles and Camilla then moved on to Government House, the residence of Lt.Gov. Judy Foote.
They listened to speeches and musical performances in the Heart Garden, which was built to honour Indigenous children who attended the province's residential schools.
Before leaving St. John's, the prince and duchess visited nearby Quidi Vidi, a former fishing village at the east end of the historic port city, where they were greeted in the sunshine by about 100 people. The couple toured an artists studio and a craft brewery, where they drew cheers as they tried their hand at pulling pints.
They were expected to arrive in Ottawa on Tuesday evening. Their tour will also take them to the Northwest Territories.
Meanwhile, the Queen made a surprise appearance at Paddington Station in London Tuesday to open the Elizabeth Line, the London Crossrail project named in her honour. Dressed in bright yellow, the 96-yearold monarch beamed as she arrived alongside Prince Edward to mark the completion of the line.
The Queen was not scheduled to attend the event, but felt well enough Tuesday morning to make her third public appearance in just five days.