Queen Elizabeth II's last public act as the monarch was a letter to the people of Saskatchewan expressing her sorrow about the mass stabbing attacks on the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and Weldon..The Queen was the longest-serving British monarch and passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday at 96. She became queen in 1952 after her father, King George VI, died..JSCN Chief Wally Burns spoke about the Queen’s letter at a JSCN press conference on Thursday morning..“Today, we found out the monarch of Canada has passed. She wrote a letter to James Smith Cree Nation on behalf of the monarch, expressing condolences to the families and friends, to the community, and the rest of the world,” said Burns..Premier Scott Moe, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty, and NDP Leader Carla Beck expressed their sadness on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the Saskatchewan people..“Like many of you, I was deeply saddened today to learn of the death of our Queen — the only monarch most of us have ever known,” said Moe in a public statement..“The world has lost a remarkable individual. Through a life devoted to duty, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II exemplified integrity, humility, inner strength, and outward grace,” said Mirasty in a public statement..“I was saddened to learn that Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, passed away peacefully surrounded by close family,” said Beck..Flags will remain at half-mast and books of condolences can be signed during regular business hours at the Legislature and Government House in Regina..The Queen visited Saskatchewan one time as a Princess in 1951 and five times as Queen in 1959, 1973, 1978, 1987, and 2005..“She visited many parts of our province, meeting with people from all walks of life, including continuing the special relationship between the Crown and indigenous peoples,” said Moe..Moe remarked on her long career as Queen with 12 different Canadian prime ministers, and nine Saskatchewan premiers..“Her reign of over 70 years spanned an incredible period of history. She was Queen during the term of 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and nine Saskatchewan Premiers. But even more enduring was the dedication, dignity and grace with which she served as Queen of Canada and the Commonwealth,” said Moe..Beck said the Queen stood by her statement she made "at just 21 years old.”.“Today, we mark the loss of a revered monarch who presided over our province for nearly three-quarters of a century. At just 21 years old, she said, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, will be dedicated to your service.’ She stood by that declaration,” said Beck..Moe mentioned the new monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, who has to carry on the legacy of the Queen..“Today, we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new Monarch, His Majesty the King. I know he will carry on his responsibilities with the same honour, dignity, and grace exemplified by his late mother every day of her 70-year reign,” said Moe..Mirasty said the Queen was committed to reconciliation with indigenous peoples..“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,” said Mirasty..Beck and Mirasty said it is time to celebrate her remarkable life..“In the days ahead, we will come together as a province to celebrate her reign and selfless devotion to duty. She was a remarkable leader for our country and our commonwealth, and she will be missed by all,” said Beck..“While we mourn her loss, we can also give thanks for her extraordinary contributions to Canada and the world,” said Mirasty.
