While in P.E.I. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touched on Indigenous issues ahead of the Canada Day celebrations that will be going on this Saturday.

"We have to recognize that not everyone is going to be celebrating the same way," Trudeau said.

"The history of 150 years for Indigenous peoples has not been as positive, and recognizing that there's a lot more work to do, that we need to do together, in respect, is an important part of this recognition."

Justin Trudeau arrived at the Montague Curling Club Thursday morning. (Noah Richardson/CBC)

Trudeau was in Cardigan, P.E.I., on Thursday meeting with Premier Wade MacLauchlan in the morning before moving onto Montague Curling Club for a meet and greet with the public.

He finished his time on the Island in Charlottetown for a tour of the Canada C3 expedition ship, and a media conference.

When Justin Trudeau said his government is finding a long term solution for P.E.I. ferries, the crowd broke out in applause. (Francois Dufault/Radio-Canada)

The Prime Minister posed for pictures with people at the Montague Curling Club. (Noah Richardson/CBC)

'A path forward'

In Charlottetown the Prime Minister went a step further with regards to the history of Canada's Indigenous population.

"Canada has failed Indigenous peoples," he said. "We need to do a much better job of hearing their stories."

Trudeau gets emotional as he holds the carved figure from the 1966 movie Paddle to the Sea film aboard the Canada C3 ship, which he visited in Charlottetown. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

Trudeau said that "impatience from many people after decades, centuries of a broken relationship," was understandable.

He added that the work of reconciliation was about "redefining a relationship and that can't be done overnight."

After touring the C3 expedition ship, Trudeau spoke with media in Charlottetown. (Natalia Goodwin/CBC)

"We're busy figuring out a path forward that cannot be defined by Ottawa no matter how well-meaning Ottawa might be," he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Wade MacLauchlan met Thursday morning in Cardigan, P.E.I. (Noah Richardson/CBC)

"The lessons we've learned of the past is there has to be true partnership in building the present and the future together."

Responds to protest, arrests

While in Charlottetown Trudeau was asked about the Indigenous group setting up a teepee on Parliament Hill.

"I understand and hear very clearly the issues that a number of people, including the individuals who are setting up a teepee on the Hill are expressing," he said.

Justin Trudeau shook hands and signed autographs for supporters in Charlottetown on Thursday. (Noah Richardson/CBC)

"We just have to make sure that we deal with both what are going to be historic crowds on Canada Day on the Hill, but also deal with people in a respectful and responsible way."

When asked if the group should have been arrested he said he didn't hadn't seen the "full details" of the situation and that Canada 150 celebrations have to reflect different groups and views.

Ferry services

At both stops he also spoke about the federal government's support of ferry services in Atlantic Canada,

"Our investments in budget 2017, moving forward on ferries," Trudeau said.

"Making sure that we move, and we understand how essential those links are to tourism but also to successful communities across Atlantic Canada."

The Prime Minister left the Island for New Brunswick Thursday afternoon.