Gord Downie makes a call for action on Indigenous issues

With more than 11-million people tuning in to watch The Tragically Hip's emotional final concert in Kingston, Ontario on August 20, terminally ill lead singer Gord Downie spoke up on behalf of First Nations.

Downie addressed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying what he expects the PM to do for Canada's First Nations people.

"We're in good hands, folks, real good hands," Downie told the live audience about Trudeau. “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…and what's going on up there ain't good. It's maybe worse than it's ever been...we're going to get it fixed and we got the guy to do it, to start, to help.’'

Downie also said: "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..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."

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler made the following statement after singer Gord Downie brought national attention to Indigenous issues during The Tragically Hip’s nationally televised concert:

“We are saddened that this could be the final performance by Gord Downey 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. We greatly appreciate his efforts to bring attention to the inequities and injustices facing Indigenous Peoples, especially those in the Far North, and that he called on the Prime Minister to take action. 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. Gord has been a strong advocate for the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and we are touched by his compassion.”

The Tragically Hip performed a concert in Fort Albany First Nation in 2012 as part of the Great Moon Gathering celebration of Cree culture and education.

They also released a song entitled “Goodnight Attawapiskat” on their 2012 album, Now for Plan A.