Trudeau issues apology, exonerates six First Nations chiefs in Chilcotin War of 1864

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The Prime Minister has exonerated six First Nations chiefs who were executed more than 150 years ago by the BC colonial government, issuing an apology today in the House of Commons.

This dates back to the so-called Chilcotin War of 1864. The apology relates that clash between First Nations and road builders.

Sill-coat-in leaders arrived for what they thought were peace negotiations with government representatives.

“The chiefs acted in the accordance with their own laws to defend their territory, their people, and their way of life. They acted as leaders of a proud and independent nation facing a threat from another nation,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons.

“Instead of being welcomed as leaders and respected warriors they were arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and killed.”

Premier John Horgan welcomes the apology, noting our province exonerated these leaders in 2014.

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