To cheers from the onlookers at the community ceremony, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Chief Poundmaker is fully exonerated of any crime or wrongdoing. The exoneration for treason of Chief Poundmaker was announced at the reserve that bears his name — Poundmaker Cree Nation.

Truth and reconciliation is about healing. That from Pauline Favel, descendent of Chief Poundmaker, who spoke Thursday at the exoneration ceremony on the First Nation near Cut Knife. She said “we are coming together as a nation to celebrate the exoneration of our great chief” and notes that remembering our history is important. Favel says in 1967 Chief Poundmaker was brought home and it was a historical day, and “today it is another historical day”.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government recognized during his lifetime Chief Poundmaker was not treated justly nor showed the respect he deserved.

“If we are to move forward together on the path of reconciliation, the Government of Canada must acknowledge the wrongs of the past.”

And Poundmaker Cree Nation Chief Duane Antoine says it was a day to honour the legendary leader, Chief Poundmaker.

“For taking a brave stance defending themselves on May 2, 1885 and for holding back and not counter-attacking the retreating Colonel Otter and his men. he saved a lot of lives, and was living up to his promise not to take up arms against the Queen as promised under Treaty Number Six.”

The Government of Canada says reconciliation discussions between the Government of Canada and Poundmaker Cree Nation began in February 2018 and the First Nation identified the exoneration as its first priority.