Manitoba Chiefs to attend coronation of King Charles III

A delegation of First Nation Chiefs from Manitoba are heading to London, England for the coronation of King Charles III, to remind the Crown of their responsibility to honour treaties, and the path toward reconciliation.

Saturday will mark a historic day, the first event of its kind since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. And while many in the U.K. will be celebrating Charles’ ascension to the throne, a group of Manitoba First Nation Chiefs will be attending with other goals in mind.

“We’re not heard, and we need to be heard,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick says treaties are forever, and more work needs to be done to uphold the historical agreements.

“We need to ensure that our people know and understand the importance of treaties because we go a long way back in terms of that we need to be able to talk about treaties going forward.”

The delegation will meet with royal representatives to discuss treaty relationships and First Nations issues. Chief Cindy Woodhouse says there is unfinished business between the Crown and Indigenous people and is hopeful King Charles will support the treaties that are in place.

“We have to make sure the next generation remembers those treaties and the treaty relationship that this country started on,” said Chief Woodhouse.

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Grand Chief Garrison Settee says treaties were agreed upon under the circumstances that both the Crown and Indigenous people would benefit and thrive, but he says that has not been the case.

“It has not been like that for 150 years and true reconciliation is restoring back that opportunity for First Nations to thrive and that can only happen through treaty implementation,” explained Grand Chief Settee.

“We need to reset this relationship and that’s why I believe it’s important we go.”

Indigenous people have a relationship with the Crown that dates back to their first contact with Europeans. Settee says it’s important for First Nations people to set their own path, away from institutions like the Crown.

“If this reconciliation is not working, then we have to try another path, but we are hoping this will reset the relationship.”

The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6. The ceremony can be viewed on CityTV.