Stephen: Jully Black makes headlines after tweaking O Canada lyrics at NBA All-Star Game

Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black is bringing attention to Canada’s indigenous population following her rendition of O Canada at the NBA All-Star Game this past Sunday in Utah. The “Seven Day Fool” songstress tweaked the second line of the anthem, which traditionally is sung “our home and native land”, to “our home on native land”, with an emphasis on the word “on” and a glance to camera. The change was noticed far and wide, with many praising her actions on social media, including long time champion of social justice Chuck D of Public Enemy.

Your love means the WORLD to me! You’ve been #ThatGuy to impact change and educate to elevate us all! This is less about me and more about being apart of the change in any way I can! Love you Bro ❤️ https://t.co/cXG5sDkVqf

— Jully Black (@JullyBlack) February 20, 2023

Canada’s colonial relationship with its indigenous peoples has been especially tense the past several years, since mass burial sites have been uncovered at residential schools across the country, the most recent coming on January 16 of this year at St. Mary’s Indian Residential School in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, ON, where 171 anomalies were detected using ground-penetrating radar. In Newfoundland & Labrador, there is currently an inquiry underway into the treatment, experiences, and outcomes of Innu in the child protection system.

You can view Jully Black’s rendition of O Canada below.