The exoneration of Chief Poundmaker was greeted with enthusiasm by those attending the ceremonies last week.
So much so, in fact, that the talk is on about what comes next.
First Nations leaders talked at the event Thursday about moving ahead with other potential exonerations and apologies, especially concerning the eight Indigenous warriors who were hanged at Fort Battleford in 1885, and who are buried there.
“Over here in this town called Battleford, eight warriors were hung publicly,” said Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “… we can’t forget that mass grave,” he said.
The national chief added there was more work to do. Bellegarde encouraged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “in the work you do. We know it’s hard. And let me tell you, I know we can’t please everyone. I get called many things, too. But that’s public service.”
Bellegarde expressed optimism about the future. “The last 150 years wasn’t very good for First Nations people,” said Bellegarde. “We learned, but it’s the next 150 years that we will build upon.”
In meeting with reporters, federal Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett was asked whether the federal government would also exonerate Big Bear, One Arrow and others who had gone to trial unjustly.
“We are absolutely inspired by the work the communities have done to get the true story out and for us to be able to acknowledge the mistakes the government of Canada has made and how we go forward,” said Bennett. “Each will be taken individually based on what the community is asking for.”
