The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Executive wishes to thank Mr. Gord Downie, the lead singer of The Tragically Hip, for his public support of building better communities and improving the lives of First Nation people from across Canada.

Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip. Photo by Mike Homer, www.thehip.com

Mr. Downie told Canadians during the live telecast of The Tragically Hip’s final concert on Saturday August 20, 2016, “Prime Minister Trudeau’s got me, his work with First Nations. 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, trained our entire lives to hear not a word of what’s going on up there.”

“Our prayers are with Mr. Downie as he bravely battles brain cancer. His powerful words could not have come at a better time for First Nation and Canadians to hear,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “It’s very encouraging to hear Mr. Downie use his celebrity to endorse the work of Prime Minister Trudeau. Mr. Downie is right, 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. Our Inherent and Treaty Rights are at the heart and soul of the issues that concern Indigenous people. Many, many Elders, leaders, youth and grassroots people have been saying this since the entering of Treaty.”