By Andie Mollins, The Williams Lake Tribune, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In remembering Justin Trudeau’s leadership, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) says it intends to continue working with Canada’s political leaders towards reconciliation.
In a press release dated Jan. 7, Nits’ilʔin (Chief) and TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse said Trudeau has done more towards reconciliation than all his predecessors combined.
“From the day he took office, Trudeau made Indigenous issues a national priority, and, for that, he will always be honoured.”
The release said TNG was honoured to work with Trudeau towards tangible progress for the Tŝilhqot’in people and noted how the prime minister delivered the exoneration of the Tŝilhqot’in War Chiefs directly to the Tŝilhqot’in in March of 2018 during a visit to their title lands.
Trudeau visited the nation in June 2024 as well to renew the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement which joins the province, country and First Nation towards supporting Tŝilhqot’in self-determination. At that time, Trudeau also met with Elders whose testimonies were pivotal in the 2014 landmark case which recognized the nation’s Aboriginal title in their land, a first for Canada.
“He was the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit Tŝilhqot’in Title Lands and showed up when it mattered,” Alphonse said.
In the release, the nation emphasized the importance of continued relationship building between political leaders and First Nations. It said TNG’s urgent priorities are to work towards reconciliation, implement the United Nation Declaration on the Right of Indigenous People and improve the lives of Indigenous communities across the country.
As a final note, Nits’ilʔin Alphonse acknowledged the tough environment politicians work in today and said the Tŝilhqot’in will push to have their joint work live on.
“His love for his country was apparent and he made huge sacrifices…To Trudeau – we wish you well.”
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body of six autonomous nations situated in British Columbia’s Chilcotin region.
Links of Interest:
- Justin Trudeau’s resignation speech – video on his Facebook page
- Tŝilhqot’in National Government – The People of the River
- Supreme Court Recognizes Tsilhqot’in First Nation’s Title – The ECOreport (June 26, 2014)
Top image credit: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and TNG Chief Joe Alphonse ride to the meeting place in 2018 at Xeni Gwet’in where Trudeau exonerated six hanged war chiefs of 1864 before Tsilhqot’in members. – Photo by Angie Mindus/Williams Lake Tribune
