Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497j) Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia's legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada - 26 Sep 2016
Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia’s legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada – 26 Sep 2016 — Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497j)

The Royal Couple continued their tour on Monday with a day trip to the Great Bear Rainforest and visit with the Heiltsuk First Nation and community of Bella Bella.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023503f) Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge attend the community dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada - 26 Sep 2016 Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge attend the community dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. They unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. The inclement weather resulted in parts of the trip to Bella Bella being cancelled
Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023503f) Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge attend the community dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada – 26 Sep 2016

The Duke thanked the Heiltsuk First Nation community for being so welcoming to their home.

“The establishment of the Canopy is a loud and unambiguous statement that the citizens of all Commonwealth countries believe that nature is fundamental to the health of our societies. When we protect our rivers, oceans, atmospheres, or like today,our forests, we are telling our children that their future prosperity cannot be disconnected from the health of the natural world.” – Duke of Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess returned to Victoria to host a reception at Government House Monday night. The evening allowed Prince William and Kate to meet some of BC’s notable citizens, including members of the Order of British Columbia, philanthropists, First Nations leaders, youth leaders and veterans. Ecole Cobble Hill Elementary School Choir attended and sang at the event as well.

The Royal Highnesses participated in the installation of the final ring on the Black Rod, is a ceremonial staff created in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is used on formal occasions when the monarch or her provincial representative, the Lieutenant Governor, is present in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497u) Prince William at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia's legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada - 26 Sep 2016
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497u)
Prince William at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia’s legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada – 26 Sep 2016

The Black Rod ceremony was a historic, emotional and politically charged event at the Government House reception. The placing of the ring of reconciliation, saw Grand Chief Ed John of B.C.’s First Nations Summit touch on issues of cultural genocide, residential schools and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission during the ceremony.

“The current Crown approach of deny and delay cannot continue,” he said. “The status quo has not served indigenous people well.”

John said 2017 would be an appropriate year to issue a new Royal Proclamation in Canada, updating the Royal proclamation of 1763. William placed the fourth ring on the Black Rod. He did not speak during the ceremony, but shook hands with the prince. Kate attended the ceremony as did BC premier Christy Clark.

On display for the occasion was the Witness Blanket, an installation which stands as a national monument to the atrocities of the Indian Residential School era, to honour the children, and to symbolize ongoing reconciliation.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a reception at Government House in Victoria, during the third day of their tour of Canada.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a reception at Government House in Victoria, during the third day of their tour of Canada.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497w) Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia's legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada - 26 Sep 2016
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6023497w)
Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at a reception attended by leaders in British Columbia’s legislature, government and judiciary at Government House, Victoria, British Columbia
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada – 26 Sep 2016

Mel Z – Middays 10am – 3pm on Ocean 98.5 

Filed under: Bella Bella, British Columbia, Government House, Great Bear Rainforest, Reception at Government House, Residential Schools, Royal Couple, Royal Tour Canada, Royal Visit 2016, Victoria BC, Witness Blanket