Kansas Governor Sam Brownback on Thursday joined leaders of five Kansas tribes for the Kansas 150 Tribal Commemoration, in which the governor apologized for their forced relocation.

Leaders of the Kickapoo Tribe, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Iowa Tribe, Sac and Fox Nation, and Kaw Nation joined Brownback at the Kansas Historical Society for the event, which was part of the state’s sesquicentennial celebration. Nineteen tribes were once relocated to Kansas on their way to the Indian Territory, later Oklahoma. There are four tribes residing in Kansas today: the Iowa Tribe, the Sac and Fox Nation, the Kickapoo Tribe and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Recognizing the tribes’ impact on the State of Kansas, Governor Brownback signed a proclamation recalling the wrongs committed against them through forced relocation and mistreatment and offered an apology on behalf of the people of Kansas.

“As Governor, I resolve we will move forward with the recognized tribes in a positive and constructive relationship that will help us fairly and effectively resolve differences to achieve our mutual goals and work together to protect this land we call Kansas,” Brownback said.

“The history and culture of our state have been significantly influenced by Native Americans and indigenous peoples,” Governor Brownback said.

He also presented an American Bison from the state herd to each of the tribes.

The commemoration is one of several events that are part of the Kansas 150 commemoration of statehood. Kansas was admitted to the Union January 29, 1861. For more information about Kansas 150 events, visit ks150.org.