The Oscars apologize 50 years later to the Native American actress who rejected, on behalf of Marlon Brando, the statuette for 'The Godfather'

Nearly 50 years after being booed onstage at the

for refusing an award on behalf of

in protest of

's treatment of Native Americans,

has received an apology from the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Cinematographic, as announced by the organization on Monday.

Actress and activist

ceremony

when she explained why

, who had not attended, could not accept his

Best Actor

.

She later claimed that security guards had to stop

from physically assaulting her.

"The insults you suffered because of this statement were misplaced and unwarranted," the June letter from then-Academy president

said .

"The emotional toll he has carried and the toll on his own career in our industry is irreparable."

"For too long, the bravery you displayed has gone unrecognized. For that, we offer you our deepest apologies and sincere admiration."

The Academy released this letter as it announced that

would be invited to speak at the

museum in

on September 17.

"We Indians are very patient people, it's only been 50 years!"

, 75, reacted in a statement.

"We have to keep our sense of humor about it, all the time. It's our means of survival," she added.

"It warms my heart to see how much everything has changed since I didn't accept the Oscar 50 years ago."

The museum, which opened last September, is committed to confronting the "troubled history" of the film industry, whether it's the racism that tainted

or recent controversies over the underrepresentation of women and minorities.

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