After Gord Downie used last night’s Tragically Hip farewell to push First Nations issues front and centre, the executive of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) thanked the singer for his show of support.
During the televised farewell concert in Kingston, Downie offered his firm backing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in attendance.
“Prime Minister Trudeau’s got me, his work with First Nations,” Downie said. “He’s got everybody. He’s going to take us where we need to go. He cares about the people way up north, that we were trained our entire lives to ignore.”
“Our prayers are with Mr. Downie as he bravely battles brain cancer,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “His powerful words could not have come at a better time for First Nation and Canadians to hear.”
“Mr. Downie is right,” Cameron added. “There is much work to do to improve the lives of indigenous people but with his support and bringing these issues to the forefront for Canadians, more people will take the time to learn the true history of Canada.”
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
