Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy issued today an urgent open letter to Her Majesty the Queen urging direct British Crown involvement in the Chief Theresa Spence hunger strike.
Contrary to Canada’s underlying message that the relationship between First Nations and the British Crown has ended, the letter explains that the legal and historical connection between the British Crown and treaty nations in Canada is still alive.
Regional Chief Beardy stated in the letter to Her Majesty that, “You remain the Monarch of Canada, in accordance with article 17 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1867 and that at this unprecedented moment of national peril, your direct intervention is urgently required.”
The letter cites article 25 of the Canada Constitution Act, 1982 for the continuing enforceability of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 in relation to Canada’s repatriation. “This is precisely why Chief Theresa Spence is demanding to move an agenda forward with representatives of the British Crown—she is fighting for recognition of the long-standing relationship First Nations have had, starting with King George III, her Majesty’s predecessor. It is time Canada understands this,” stated Beardy.
The urgent open letter is making its way to Buckingham Palace and it is undetermined at this time if it will reach Her Majesty directly but all efforts will be made to ensure a response from Her Royal Highness. It has also been posted publicly for the world to view.
The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum, and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada.
