OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued another apology in the House of Commons Monday — this time to six First Nations chiefs convicted of and executed for murder in 1864.
Trudeau, who recently apologized to homosexuals fired from government jobs in the 1950s and ‘60s, called the apology and exoneration of the chiefs “a new way of doing things.”
“Canada has a chance and opportunity to be a role model to all countries with Indigenous people. That’s what this is about, a new way of doing things, a better way of doings things, that includes all of us,” he told the House.
The six chiefs were part of the Tsilhqot’in Nation and as Trudeau read his statement, members of that group were on hand in the Parliamentary Gallery to hear his words.
“We 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,” Trudeau said.
The chiefs killed six white workers who belonged to a road construction team. The British colonial government of the period arrested the aboriginal leaders for murde and a trial found them guilty.
But Trudeau turned that verdict around on Monday, saying the chiefs were somehow defending themselves.
“They acted as leaders of a proud and independent nation facing the threat of another nation.”
Reaction on the social media was swift, with many Canadians saying it was time for Trudeau to govern in the present and stop apologizing for the past.
Looks like we’re in for more Trudeau tears. Apologizing for something that happened in 1864? Really? There is nothing better you could be doing? Like I don’t know running the fvcking country? Enough with the apology tours #TrudeauMustGohttps://t.co/1azeUejjqy
— A Redhead Rants