On September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 years old and had served her country for 70 years, longer than any other British monarch. Until her very last days, she continued in her duties – swearing in the new British PM, Liz Truss. Her final statement was an expression of condolence to the members of the James Smith Cree Nation and the people in nearby Weldon, SK whose lives were impacted by the stabbings that resulted in 10 deaths and 18 people injured.
Image courtesy of @theroyalfamily
Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau eloquently expressed his thoughts on her passing on behalf of Canada. He said, “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada's longest-reigning sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history”…(She was) "thoughtful, wise, curious, helpful, funny and so much more. In a complicated world, her steady grace and resolve brought comfort and strength to us all. Canada is in mourning. She was one of my favourite people in the world and I will miss her so."
Image courtesy of @justinpjtrudeau
With the dismissal of award-winning newscaster Lisa LaFlamme from her position as Chief Anchor of CTV National News, there was outrage as many felt this happened because of ageism and sexism. Her predecessor, Lloyd Robertson, retired from the position at the age of 77. Ms. LaFlamme was only 58. She did, however, have the “audacity” to let her hair go grey. Thankfully, it was announced today that Ms. LaFlamme has been hired by CityNews as a special correspondent and will be in London to cover the Queen’s funeral and the transition as King Charles III takes the throne.
It is absolutely disgraceful to think that, in this day and age, women are still subjected to the outdated beliefs that they are only valuable up to a certain age, after which point they become “disposable”. In fact ageism is something that has an impact on all genders, although it impacts women at an earlier age. Men are deemed to become more distinguished with grey hair and wrinkles; women on the other hand are devalued by these same characteristics.
As a society based on European culture, we seem to have little respect for our seniors, for our elders. We have so much to learn from our indigenous neighbours. Here in PEI, the Mi’kmaw people value their elders – they are considered to be the keepers of tradition, of history, of culture. The sharing of their wisdom is considered to be healing. The title of “Elder” is one that is bestowed upon a person by their community and an elder is treated with respect at all times.
Chief Charlie Sark of Lennox Island, PEI
Queen Elizabeth was only 25 when she ascended the throne. She held this position for 70 years with grace, with dignity, with a sense of duty. She demonstrated to the entire world that gender and age play no factor in one’s ability to lead, to give wise counsel, to inspire. She met weekly with 15 British Prime Ministers over the course of her reign. In Canada, 12 Prime Ministers served during her reign. Nearly 90% of the world’s population were born during her time on the throne! Her reign has been described as “a golden thread running through generations”.
Farewell, Your Majesty – God speed. You will be missed.
Farewell, Your Majesty – God speed. You will be missed.
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