The Duchess of Cornwall laughed when she was presented with a fluffy gift in Yellowknife, Canada, yesterday – and was told it was a stress ball made of beaver fur. “Everybody needs a stress ball,” Camilla said.
Jane Dragon, 81, handmade the ball for the duchess, explaining: “It’s from sheared beaver.” Of the royal couple Ms Dragon then added: “We are very lucky to see them. I met the Queen when she came and now they are here.” Charles and Camilla visited the Dettah community on Thursday and were welcomed by the two Chiefs for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation – Chief Edward Sangris of the Dettah and Chief Fred Sangris of Ndilo.
The Premier of the Northwest Territories, the honourable Caroline Cochrane, then introduced them to representatives from the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders. Charles had telephoned the Elders before the tour. Charles and Camilla also took part in a Feeding the Fire Ceremony, led by Elder Bernadette Martin. Smoke came up from a central fire pit while they put in offerings of tobacco and traditional drummers played.
Elders then led the group in a prayer to the spirits. Charles and Camilla were introduced to Angela Lafferty, director of language, culture and history for the YKDFN, who explained how different moose antlers were used to scrape hides before they were tanned. Charles and Camilla looked at some local drums and were presented with a pair of traditional moccasins each. “They are amazing,” said Charles.
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