First Nations leaders press treaty concerns with Prince Charles

Wednesday, May 23, 2012  

First Nations leaders said they were encouraged by a visit with Prince Charles on Tuesday.

Native leaders discussed their treaties with the British Crown. They asked for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth next year to address their concerns about Canada's failure to live up to the agreements.

"He did affirm he would follow-up with his mother," said Shawn Atleo, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the AFP reported.

Native leaders said Prince Charles was well-informed about their rights. He has met with First Nations on prior visits to Canada.

"He clearly understood the importance of having the treaties upheld by Canada," Ovide Mercredi, a former national chief of AFN, told CBC News.

Prince Charles was given an eagle feather during the meeting, which took place in Toronto, Ontario.

Get the Story:
First Nation leaders seek meeting with Queen (CBC 5/22)
The 'special relationship' of native peoples and the Crown (CBC 5/22)
Prince Charles meets with Canada aboriginals (AFP 5/22)
Prince Charles to meet with local chief (The Sault Star 5/22)
Grand chief among royal greeters (The Kenora Daily Miner and News 5/23)