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Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS /Jonathan Hayward

Trudeau said the federal government continues to work with the tribal council to develop a governance agreement by spring 2019.

Chief Joe Alphonse, tribal chairman of the Tsilhqot’in Nation, said the apology was significant not only because it was the first time that a prime minister visited title lands, but because it was made directly to community members.

Trudeau made a “statement of exoneration” in the House of Commons in March and agreed to visit the title lands then.

“For me as chief last March it was a very emotional journey, a spiritual one. It took its toll physically, mentally. So I’ve been through that, I’ve gone through that,” Alphonse said.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS /Jonathan Hayward

“Today it’s about our membership, and our membership all these years not believing that a prime minister would acknowledge that. So it’s a powerful day.”

Trudeau rode into the valley on a black horse, symbolizing the one the historic chiefs rode into what they believed were peace talks. The day also included a smudging ceremony and Trudeau was given a buckskin jacket matching the iconic one his father Pierre Trudeau wore.

The Tsilhqot’in have long disputed the government’s authority to execute the six chiefs as criminals, describing the confrontation as an altercation between warring nations.

When Trudeau read the statement in the Commons, members of Parliament broke into applause, prompting the Tsilhqot’in chiefs to hold up eagle feathers in salute. Trudeau told MPs the chiefs acted in accordance with their laws and traditions and that they are well regarded as heroes of their people.

Photo by JONATHAN HAYWARD / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The deadly confrontation began when a white road-building crew entered Tsilhqot’in territory without permission in 1864.

Five chiefs were hanged when they travelled to the supposed peace talks at the invitation of government representatives. A sixth chief was executed the following year in New Westminster.

The British Columbia government apologized for the executions in 1993 and installed a commemorative plaque at the site of the hangings.