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Subjects: POL, NTA, AVO, CFG

Prime Minister visits Ts?ilhqot'in Nation to personally deliver statement of exoneration


XENI GWET'IN, BC, Nov. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Acknowledging past mistakes is an important part of renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. By coming together in a spirit of cooperation and affirming our respect and recognition of Indigenous rights, we can make real, meaningful progress toward reconciliation, to the benefit of all Canadians.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, yesterday met with members of the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation on their title land to deliver, in person, a statement of exoneration of six Ts?ilhqot'in chiefs. The statement was originally delivered by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on March 26, 2018.

The posthumous exoneration of all six Ts?ilhqot'in chiefs ? Chief Lhats'as?in, Chief Biyil, Chief Tilaghed, Chief Taqed, Chief Chayses, and Chief Ahan ? demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to meaningful reconciliation.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett, and members of the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation confirmed their shared priorities and vision for the future by signing a pathway letter. The letter outlines commitments to reach milestones on the path to self-determination. Canada also commits to work with the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation to address housing and infrastructure needs in the Ts?ilhqot'in communities.

The visit marked an important step forward to recognize and implement the rights of the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation.

Quotes
"It was important to me to meet members of the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation and deliver in person the statement of exoneration of six chiefs ? heroes of this Nation ? who were treated and tried as criminals. Together, with the Ts?ilhqot'in leaders, elders, and youth, we can build a new relationship ? based on respect, recognition of rights, collaboration, and partnership ? and realize a better future for the Ts?ilhqot'in peoples, for all of Canada, and for the generations that will follow."
?The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"As Ts?ilhqot'in representatives, we are honoured to be hosting the Prime Minister on our declared Aboriginal title lands. This event is about healing. It will be a day marked in the history books for the Ts?ilhqot'in Nation and all of Canada. On March 26,, 2018, we were in the Prime Minister's government house, yesterday ? for the first time in Canadian history ? the Prime Minister was in our government house."
?Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Ts?ilhqot'in National Government

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This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca/

 

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office



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