The Tsilhqot'in Nation marked 150 years since their war chiefs were wrongfully executed by the colonial government of what is now British Columbia, Canada. In the 1860s, British settlers tried to build a road to the Caribou gold fields – right through Tsilhqot’in territory. The nation had been decimated by smallpox and the road was seen as a path for more disease. The nation fought back and the colony responded with military force - touching off the Chilcotin War.Authorities invited the Tsilhqot’in to peace talks, but instead their war chiefs were arrested, tried and hanged on October 26, 1864.Before his execution, Chief Lhatsassin declared that the Tsilhqot’in had meant “war not murder.”The road was never completed. In June of this year, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed Tsilhqot’in ownership of its territory for the first time in the country’s history. Chief Roger William credits the war chiefs for the win.“Our people really feel that the sacrifices of those warrior leaders are the reason we won Aboriginal title.”On October 26, 2014, the provincial government exonerated the Tsilhqot'in chiefs and apologized to the nation for their wrongful execution. “We call it a good start,” says Chief William, but “there’s more work ahead.” Credits:Percy Guichon was recorded live at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs' office, on June 26, 2014Lisa Hale's intro was originally broadcast on Tuesday, Oct 28, 2014 on NationalNativeNews.net radio networkMarilyn Baptiste clip: "Blue Gold: The Tsilhqot'in Fight for Teztan Biny (Fish Lake)" Image: Shawnswanky.comMusic: Rebel Spell "Tsilhqot'in"