The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations extends its condolences to the Royal Family on the Queen’s passing and will be closing its offices in observation of the National Day of Mourning on Monday. Chief Bobby Cameron says the FSIN recognizes the Queen’s life of public service as Canada’s head of state and as the figurehead of the Treaties that were signed between the British Crown and First Nations people over 150 years ago. “During her 70 year long reign, our First Nations have maintained a special constitutional relationship with her based on those treaty agreements.” He notes that up until her dying day, their relationship with the Queen was expressed by her last official statement, sending condolences to the people of James Smith Cree nation and Weldon during a time of great tragedy.

However, Cameron says, there is still much more “unfinished colonial business”. As King Charles III takes on his new role, the FSIN asks that he renounce the Doctrine of Discovery together with the Curch of England, and support their calls for the federal government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.