Indigenous leader boycotts Black Rod event attended by Prince William in protest of Canadian government

The influential chief said he will not attend in protest at the treatment of indigenous people by the Canadian government

The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge visit first nation community members in Bella, Bella Canada (Getty)

The Duke of Cambridge has joined Canadian chiefs for a historic ceremony designed to heal the wounds of conflict between indigenous people and their government.

After spending the day visiting a remote First Nation community with the Duchess, William took part in the symbolic event before a reception for political and civic leaders from across the province of British Columbia at Government House in Victoria.

But one of the most influential chiefs in British Columbia (BC) boycotted the ceremony in protest at the treatment of his people by the Canadian government.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, leader of 115 First Nation tribes in the province, known as the Union of BC Chiefs, said in a statement: “With the deepening poverty of our communities, remembering the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and the ongoing negligence of indigenous child welfare policies across this country, in good conscience, I cannot participate in the Black Rod ceremony.”

Assisted by two chiefs, William added a ring of reconciliation to the Black Rod, the ceremonial staff of British Columbia's legislature modelled on the artefact used in the UK's Parliament.

Created in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it is adorned with three rings, representing the province, Canada, and the link to the UK. The Duke added a fourth ring - engraved with eagle feathers and a canoe - to symbolise First Nations in the province.

Grand Chief Edward John of the Tl'atz'en, who stood in for Mr Phillip, helped hold the Black Rod as Chief Shane Gottfriedson handed William the ring.

Kensington Palace officials declined to comment on the controversy.

In a speech at the start of the ceremony, Steven Point, a former lieutenant governor of British Columbia and a member of the Stolo Nation, hailed the Black Rod as a symbol of reconciliation.

“Today we begin again,” he said.

Grand Chief Edward John spoke of what he called the “cultural genocide” of First Nation people but paid tribute to the role of the Crown in healing divisions.

He told William: “Today we honour you. You honour us by bringing your young family to this great country.”

Many of British Columbia's 203 First Nations were represented at the 10-minute ceremony.

Patrick Kelly, of the Leq'amel First Nation, declined to pass judgment on Grand Chief Phillip for boycotting the event.

He said: “It's not my place to comment. Reconciliation is an important process. Everyone is entitled to their view.”

After the ceremony, William and Kate, who wore a red Preen dress and the Queen's maple leaf brooch, mingled with 200 guests in the ballroom of the grand house, the monarch's official residence in the province of British Columbia.

During Tuesday the royal couple will travel to the settlement of Kelowna where they will tour the University of British Columbia's campus and meet its highly ranked women's volleyball team.

William and Kate will visit an event showcasing the best produce from British Columbia, from food to wine, before travelling to the territory of Yukon to visit its capital, Whitehorse.

Press Association.