Prince Harry Was 'Deeply Moved' by Visit with Indigenous Community Members While Visiting Canada Promoting Invictus Games

11/20/2024 10:31 AM

The visit served "as a reminder of the power of personal connections in the pursuit of understanding and healing"

Prince Harry paid a special visit while continuing his visit to Canada ahead of the Invictus Games returning there in 2025.

While in Vancouver — where Prince Harry brought his Invictus Games to schools on Nov. 18 — he also visited the Musqueam Indian Reserve, where he was welcomed by Chief Wayne Sparrow to the Little House, a sacred space where family and community gather. At the Little House, Harry was welcomed with a warm fire, and Howard E. Grant, who owns the Little House along with other members of his family, explained that there is a nail outside where visitors are asked to leave negative thoughts behind "and only speak of the positive," according to Harry's office.

During the visit, Harry was introduced to individuals from all Four Host Nations, who shared their cultures, values and vision for the future. As he continues his work with the Invictus Games — which the Duke of Sussex, 40, founded in 2014 — the meeting gave Harry a chance to "better understand their experiences and perspectives," his office added.

During the meeting, gifts were exchanged between Harry and the young people from each Nation that represented the heritage, pride and strength of their nations.

Prince Harry "was deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality extended by the communities," his office shared. "The visit served not only as an opportunity to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the Host Nations, but also as a reminder of the power of personal connections in the pursuit of understanding and healing."

"As his work with the Invictus Games progresses, he remains dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of these Games leaves a lasting and positive impact for Indigenous communities, grounded in respect, understanding and collaboration," they continued.

Canada becomes the first country to play host to two Invictus Games. The inaugural Games took place in London in 2014, followed by the U.S. — specifically Orlando, Florida — in 2016. In 2017, the Games traveled to Toronto, Canada, followed by Sydney, Australia in 2018 and The Hague, Netherlands in 2022 (Games that were originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic). In 2023, the Games traveled to Dusseldorf, Germany and will head to both Vancouver and Whistler, Canada from Feb. 8 to 16, 2025 — the first time winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling will be introduced to the Games. 

Harry founded the Invictus Games 10 years ago as an international multi-sport event for wounded, sick and injured servicemen and servicewomen, both those still serving and veterans. After visiting Canada in February with wife Meghan Markle to celebrate one year to go until the 2025 Games, Harry returned solo on Nov. 17 and appeared on the pre-show of the Grey Cup, the Canadian Football League's championship game, to promote the Games.

Related: Prince Harry Surprises Students in Canada with Invictus Games Program Launch: It 'Had a Profound Impact on Me'

The next day, he introduced the Invictus Games to schools, visiting the Seaforth Armoury to join students in a range of activities that marked the launch of an online program aimed at introducing the Invictus Games to schools and students globally.

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Related: Prince Harry's Playful Comeback When Kid Tries to Give Him Bunny Ears During Photo Op

Of the kids he met at the historic military facility, Prince Harry said, "Seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me, because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider outside of the Invictus community, into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world."

In May, the Invictus Games announced its commitment to engaging with each of the Four Host Nations, addressing Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and ensuring that the Four Host Nations' languages, traditions, protocols and cultures are meaningfully acknowledged, respected and represented in the 2025 Invictus Games. The Four Host Nations are Lil'wat Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

The Four Host Nations responded to the Invictus Games' commitment, saying, "As the Four Host Nations, we are honored to be a part of this international event that celebrates resilience and the power of sport and supports the mutual journey to recovery. We look forward to sharing our culture, traditions, and the breathtaking beauty of our lands with the competitors, their families, and all those who will visit for the Games."