Prince Charles meets Canadian Natives

First Nations Meet With Prince Charles, Ask to See Queen Elizabeth IITired of waiting for Canada’s government to make good on centuries-old treaties, First Nations are going straight to the source. They are requesting a meeting directly with Queen Elizabeth II, whose government struck the original agreements with the indigenous of northern Turtle Island back during colonial times.

The request came at a meeting with Prince Charles, who along with Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall is on an official tour marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The heir to the throne and his wife visited various cities from May 21–23, including a stop at First Nations University of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan, before meeting with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and other First Nations leaders in Toronto. Prince Charles agreed to pass on the request Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

“I would like to thank the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for spending time with First Nations leaders today as we have an historical relationship with the Imperial Crown pre-dating the existence of Canada,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo in a statement. “The meeting focused on the enduring relationship between First Nations and the Crown based on Treaties and noting the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 in October 2013, and how renewing the relationship must be the basis of our work today to achieve fundamental change for First Nations in Canada.”

The royal proclamation outlined indigenous rights to occupy the land they lived on and spelled out the relationship between the British throne and the indigenous of what would become Canada.First Nations youth talk about entrepreneurship with royals

Royal couple visited FNUC

By Courtney MintenkoA sit down talk with royalty is not an honour bestowed on everyone, but a group of youth at the First Nations University did have that chance.

First they watched a traditional drum and dance ceremony.

Prince Charles and Camilla were also given a tour of the building by Cadmus Delorme.

He says the royals were very down to earth and the prince seemed to listen carefully and respond to youth.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Royals Meet Aboriginals.

Below:  "Grand Chief David Harper of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak presents Prince Charles with an eagle feather during his tour with wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, commemorating Queen Elizabeths Diamond Jubilee." (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)