Lac La Ronge Indian Band chief Tammy Cook-Searson said the Queen's passing is difficult for the entire country. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Honouring

‘Times are changing’: Cook-Searson expresses condolences to Royal Family

Sep 8, 2022 | 4:47 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band chief Tammy Cook-Searson is expressing her heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

“It’s a very difficult time right now for the whole country and… our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family,” she said. “I’ve always looked up to the Queen and I know it is a difficult time for her family, but also we’ve been blessed to have her reign for 70 years.”

Cook-Searson called the monarch a “calm voice” throughout a period of time that brought with it extensive human development and advancement. She noted the Queen herself had endured difficulties with her own family in life but always remained true.

“She was blessed for many, many years,” Cook-Searson said. “We always want to have a good life and to be able to live a long, prosperous life. She’s done a tremendous job in being the leader for so many years.”

Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 8. She was born April 21, 1926 during the reign of her father King George V. Her Majesty became Queen of the United Kingdom on Feb. 6, 1952.

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The Queen visited Saskatchewan a total of six times and was last in the province in 2005 during the centennial.

Cook-Searson also spoke about the relationship First Nations people share with the Crown. With the Queen’s passing, she believes progress will continue in ways like the appointment of Canada first First Nations Governor General Mary Simon, who was sworn in July 2021, along with Saskatchewan Lt. Gov. Russell Mirasty, a Lac La Ronge Indian Band member appointed in July 2019.

Lt. Gov. Russell Mirasty, a Lac La Ronge Indian Band member, is the monarch’s representative in Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“The times are changing and we are building that relationship with the Crown and continuing to have the Treaty and Crown relationship that was signed in 1800s,” Cook-Searson said.

As part of his statement, Mirasty said, “Her Majesty was very fond of Canada and Canadians and thought of our country as her home away from home. She was committed to reconciliation and acknowledged the painful history that Indigenous Peoples endured in residential schools in Canada, as well as the work that remains to heal and to continue to build an inclusive society. While we mourn her loss, we can also give thanks for her extraordinary contributions to Canada and the world.”

Following the passing of the Queen, her son Prince Charles automatically becomes King.

– with files from Teena Monteleone

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno