Grand chief grateful Downie’s farewell included words for indigenous people

The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie tends to let his lyrics do most of the talking, but at the band’s show in Kingston, Ont., this weekend the ailing singer, who has terminal brain cancer, spoke a few words for Canada’s indigenous people.

During the Saturday concert that was broadcast live by CBC and viewed by over four million people, Downie twice spoke about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s presence at the show and his potential role in improving conditions for Canada’s aboriginal people.

“It’s going to take us 100 years to figure out what the hell went on up there but it isn’t cool, and everybody knows that. It’s really, really bad. But we’re going to figure it out. You’re going to figure it out,” Downie said during the concert.

Trudeau — who Downie also said “cares about the people way up North that we were trained our entire lives to ignore” — appeared to nod and mouth thank you in response.

“We are saddened that this could be the final performance by Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip, but we are grateful he chose this momentous occasion to advocate for Canada’s Indigenous Peoples with the eyes of nation focused on him,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation grand chief Alvin Fiddler tells Yahoo Canada News in an emailed statement.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation appreciates Downie giving attention to the inequalities facing indigenous people in Canada, Fiddler says, and action is now required from the prime minister.

“There is a lot of talk these days about reconciliation, healing and rebuilding relationships with First Nations and the timing of his comments was perfect,” Fiddler says. “Gord has been a strong advocate for the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and we are touched by his compassion.”

The musician’s comments were also noticed by Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

“Kinanaskomitin #ThankYouGord …my heartfelt thanks to Gord Downie @thehipdotcom,” Bellegarde tweeted.

Others also shared their reactions to Downie’s comments on Twitter.

“The Tragically Hip are emblematic of my upbringing, relationship to my father, and all the things that I love about Canada,” tweeted Khelselim. “Indigenous ‘sovereigntists’ aren’t supposed to admit the things they love about Canada, but there are a few things for me.”

While there was appreciation for what the singer said, there was also some criticism of Trudeau’s action on aboriginal issues so far.

“I hope Gord Downie lives long enough to write an anthemic spin on Trudeau approving the Site C dam & ignoring Treaty 8. #TheHip,” tweeted comedian and writer Ryan McMahon.

“I love that Gord called out Trudeau too. What are you doing in YOUR life to dismantle a Canadian system that kills Indigenous ppl? #TheHip,” McMahon continued.

“Hey @JustinTrudeau about time to finally make that trip to #Attawapiskat ?? #TheHip #CBCTheHip,” tweeted Shawn J.

“We know Canada heard that. Miigwetch Gord Downie. For that. And everything. Chi Miigwetch. #TheHip,” tweeted Jesse Wente. “I hope our politicians can have the integrity of our rock stars. Are you up to it @JustinTrudeau?”

Though Downie is known for being private about his non-music life, he and his bandmates have taken political stances and advocate positions in the past including on First Nation concerns.

Fiddler points out that The Tragically Hip played Fort Albany First Nation in 2012 for the Great Moon Gathering, a celebration of Cree culture. And the band’s 2012 studio album “Now For Plan A” included a song called “Goodnight Attawapiskat.”