An annual acknowledgement of the hanging of five Tsihlqot’in chiefs on the banks of the Fraser River in Quesnel on October 26, 1964 took place just north of G.R. Baker hospital this morning.
Moods were high as a large crowd packed themselves into a tent to listen to come of the local First Nations chiefs speak.
This was a special observance for many, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formally delivered a message of exoneration for the martyred chiefs, who were captured when they believed they were attending peace talks to bring to a close what became known as the Chilcotin War, this spring.
See More: Facebook Live video of chiefs’ speeches
READ MORE: Tsilhqot’in Nations to commemorate hanged chiefs with memorial in Quesnel
Chief Clifford Lebrun from Lhtako Dene welcomed those gathered to the territory and Chief Roy Stump of ?Esdilagh First Nation acted as MC for the ceremony which saw moving speeches from Chief Joe Alphonse from Tl’etinqox First Nation, Chief Russell Myers Ross from Yunesit’in First Nation, Chief Francis Laceese from Tl’esqox First Nation and Chief Jimmy Lulua from Xeni Gwet’in First Nation.
Chief Otis Guichon from Tsi Deldel was unable to attend but sent a proxy to pass along a few words as well.
Quesnel Friendship Centre will see a continuation of the observances from noon until 3 p.m.
ronan.odoherty@quesnelobserver.com
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