Queen Elizabeth death: The monarchy’s complicated legacy of colonialism and reconciliation

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Indigenous peoples in Canada are speaking out about the community’s longstanding and deeply complex history with the monarchy. While headlines have by and large focused on tributes to the queen, her death has prompted a larger conversation.

For 70 years, the queen ruled as the constitutional head of Canada — making up almost half of the time period that Canada became its own nation. During that time period, Indigenous communities have faced some of the “worst and most draconian” policies in history, University of Manitoba Indigenous Studies Professor Niigaan Sinclair said.

And when it comes to the legacy she leaves behind, Sinclair points out that Indigenous people have called out to the queen during 22 national visits, and her "ambivalence" has left a “very lasting and painful legacy in Indigenous communities.”

RoseAnne Archibald, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, tweeted in the aftermath of Her Majesty’s death that “As many mourn the passing of QEII, let’s remember that grief and accountability can exist in the same space, simultaneously.”

As for the new King Charles III’s ability to address Britain’s wrongdoings, how hopeful are these communities? Shallima Maharaj has more.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/9117292/queen-elizabeth-relationship-indigenous-canadians/

Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews #QueenElizabethII #Indigenous