Mississippi officials take time at the National Day of Prayer observance in Jackson to extend an apology for the gross mistreatment of Native Americans.

{snip} Then, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson took to the podium to offer an apology for past acts against the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and all Native Americans.

{snip} “We want to say ‘I’m sorry.’ And we want to acknowledge that there were injustices that were done to Native Americans. The original residents, the original farmers, the original citizens of this land.”

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Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians embraced Gipson after the apology. {snip}

“To the state of Mississippi, Governor, First Lady, we forgive you,” says Chief Ben. {snip}

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