Canada`s Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallée, and Vice-Chief, Dwight Dorey issue a Joint Statement concerning Justin Bieber’s Recent Comments in the August Edition of Rolling Stone Magazine that Aboriginal Peoples get Free Gas

(Ottawa – August 2, 2012) – Mr. Bieber is a world-wide celebrity.  Because of this fact, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples feels that it is important to clear up misconceptions caused by statements made by influential individuals, concerning Aboriginal Peoples in Canada,” stated National Chief, Lavallée, CD., (Ret’d).  ”Mr. Bieber’s comment that Aboriginal people are entitled to free gas is simply not true.  These kinds of remarks are another example of what Aboriginal Peoples in Canada struggle with every day.  It promotes the misconception that we are somehow getting a free ride.  This simply is not the case and we are concerned that many people may believe what he said.”

National Vice-Chief Dorey further stated that, “while we are not in a position to confirm that Mr. Bieber is of Aboriginal descent, we can assist him through the many resources available, should he wish to trace his ancestry.  We would be happy to help him in this regard.  Given that Mr. Bieber is still a young man, and unaware of the facts here, I personally don’t think he should be beat up over this comment.  We don’t think he was trying to be malicious, or making a joke of Aboriginal issues.”

National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée concluded by saying, “we would be pleased to assist Mr. Bieber, if he wishes to find out more about his heritage.  “It’s important for someone to know where they come from, which helps give them a better understanding of where they are going.”

Since 1971, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples has represented the interests of off-reserve status and non-status Indians and Métis throughoutCanada.  The National Congress is also the voice for its affiliate organizations who advocate on behalf of Aboriginal Peoples living off-reserve.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples:  www.abo-peoples.org

To arrange an interview with the National Chief or National Vice-Chief, please contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

Ottawa, ON K1K 3B1
Tel/Tél: (613) 747-6022
Cell/Cell: (613)325-8264

julian@abo-peoples.org