Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially exonerated six Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs in the House of Commons today, in a historic apology to the Tsilhqot鈥檌n Nation.
鈥淎s much as it is in our power to do so we must right the wrongs of the past and so, as an importance symbol of our reconciliation, we confirm, without reservation that Chief Lhats鈥檃s?in; Chief Biyil; Chief Tellot; Chief Tahpitt; Chief Chayses; and Chief Ahan are fully exonerated of any crime or wrongdoing,鈥� said Trudeau, in a statement to the house and the delegation of Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs and leaders present.
鈥淲e recognize that these six chiefs were leaders of a nation; that they acted in accordance with their laws and traditions; and that they are well regarded as heroes of their people.鈥�
The six chiefs defended the Tsilhqot鈥檌n territory in 1884 when a road crew, sent by the colonial government, entered the territory without permission of the Tsilhqot鈥檌n leadership.
Under threat of smallpox, and further loss of land, the Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs declared war, and lead a war party, attacking and killing most of the men making up the camp of the road crew.
Following an offer to discuss terms of peace from the colonial leaders, the Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs accepted an invitation to meet, and there were betrayed, arrested, convicted and later hanged.
鈥淲e know the exoneration and apology we are making today on behalf of Canada cannot by itself repair the damage that has been done, but it is my sincere hope that these words will allow for greater healing as Canada and the Tsilhqot鈥檌n Nation continue on a shared journey towards reconciliation,鈥� said Trudeau.
鈥淭oday our government acknowledges what the colonial government of the day was unwilling to accept: that these six chiefs were leaders and warriors of the Tsilhqot鈥檌n Nation and the Tsilhqot鈥檌n people that they lead maintain rights to land that had never been ceded,鈥� said Trudeau.
鈥淭hey acted as the leaders of a proud and independent nation facing the threat of another nation.鈥�
Trudeau also announced that he is looking forward to visiting the declared title lands of the Tsilhqot鈥檌n Nation this summer, to deliver the statement of exoneration directly to the Tsilqot鈥檌n people 鈥渨ho have fought so long and so hard to have the commitment and sacrifice of their war chiefs recognized.鈥�
Trudeau鈥檚 apology resulted in a standing ovation on the part of all members of parliament present.
Following the apology, and subsequent comments from members, Tsilhqot鈥檌n youth Peyal Laceese performed a drum song in full regalia.
As he entered the room, the six Tsilhqot鈥檌n chiefs stood and one by one reversed their black mourning vests into bright red ones.
Each vest had an insignia of a horse on the back.
When Peyal finished he walked to the Prime Minister. He presented Trudeau with his drum and hugged him. After, he hugged the chiefs and then they proceeded out.
Peyal is the son of Chief Francis Laceese from Tl鈥檈sqox.
Back in October 2017, Canada鈥檚 Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett issued a statement noting as Canada moves to build a new future, reconciliation requires addressing Canada鈥檚 history and developing with Indigenous people a more through accounting of the past.
鈥淐anada recognizes and acknowledges this shared history and, as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation will be moving forward to offer a statement of exoneration for the six chiefs,鈥� Bennett said. 鈥淭hese six chiefs were leaders of a nation and are well-regarded as heroes by their people.鈥�
Early Monday Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs said Trudeau鈥檚 words will be 鈥渋mpactful, a rightful recognition of serious wrongdoing,鈥� but to build trust his words must be followed by actions of integrity.
鈥淭he UBCIC looks forward to a day when justice for all Indigenous peoples is a reality, not just lofty promises,鈥� Phillip said. 鈥淲e honour the Tsilhqot鈥檌n for pursuing the exoneration of their chiefs and acknowledge their persistence and unwavering commitment to justice.鈥�
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