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Crosstalk Albert Dumont opens the national ceremony to mark the coronation with an Indigenous perspective
The ceremony to mark the coronation of King Charles III in Ottawa on the morning of May 6 began with remarks from Algonquin spiritual teacher Albert Dumont, who is the city of Ottawa’s English poet laureate. He is also Algonquin Indigenous Advisor to Bishop Shane Parker.
As June is National Indigenous History Month, it seemed fitting for Crosstalk to share Dumont’s words reflecting on the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples historically and looking forward into the reign of the new king.
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“From the eastern sky, a new dawn enters Indigenous sacred land. The memories of the oldest pines rise to greet its shimmering light. The trees sway joyfully in remembrance of a happy time long ago, before the power of the British sword destroyed the tranquility of gentle Turtle Island.
Today a vow made from afar brings hope that honour will again grace the circle from which the wampum of peace and friendship is held tightly in the care of Minou Manido, the good spirit. A new day showing itself on the horizon, bringing forth the heart of an honorable human being who steps forward. His crown he lays before God. The measure of his word, he lays before the people. The blood of our hearts send forth a hopeful song in recognition of Charles III, the king of the Commonwealth, who promises to strengthen the human bond between the monarchy and all peoples of the Commonwealth.
The voices of our fathers and grandfathers rise. The voices of our mothers and grandmothers rise. We speak, they say, for the dying waters and the poison winds of our homelands. Restore the relationship with them as well as with the people.
King Charles III of the Commonwealth, hear our drum. Respect it as you would your song of life. We sing to honour the commitments you make for a better world for all. We stand together, side by side, and show our souls the creator.
Let the power of the honour song cleanse away the wrongs of the past. The road we walk now together in peace and friendship lives in the song of honour.”
