CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Trudeau is booed at Indigenous Games
Toronto Sun
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was met with a chorus of boos Sunday in Halifax when he addressed a crowd to mark the opening of the 10th edition of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in the Nova Scotia capital.
“Hello, my friends!” he began, standing behind a glass podium, but before he could continue there was a round of booing that almost drowned out his next words.
“We have been waiting for this moment,” he continued, before pausing to let the noise die down. “We’ve been waiting for this moment a long time, after the 2020 edition of the North American Indigenous Games had to be postponed because of the pandemic. So it feels incredible great to be here together in person for the opening of this outstanding event today!”
Trudeau spoke for several more minutes in both English and French, with the crowd mostly remaining quiet, or openly cheering at some of his remarks about the events, such as the fact that this is the first edition to be held in three languages – French, English and Mi’kmaq.
Trudeau seemed to win back the crowd as he spoke about the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada’s colonial history, and the pride to be felt by the participants. “You can connect with each other as strong Indigenous young people from across Turtle Island,” he said, “and know that you are here and you are strong and you are loud!”
The NAIG is the largest Indigenous gathering and multi-sport event hosted in Atlantic Canadian history. The event runs until July 23, with more than 500 athletes from 756 First Nations throughout the continent. Sporting events will include soccer, basketball, baseball and wrestling, as well as such traditional Indigenous sports as lacrosse, canoeing and kayaking. The first competitions began on Monday.
