Performer Alters O Canada Lyric to "Our Home on Native Land" at World Series

During a recent World Series game, Canadian singer JP Saxe notably altered the lyrics of "O Canada," changing the traditional "Our home and native land" to "Our home on native land." This modification, which occurred before the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Los Angeles Dodgers, quickly garnered widespread attention and discussion across social media, as highlighted by a tweet from The Post Millennial.

Saxe's lyrical change serves as a direct acknowledgment of Indigenous land rights and the concept of land acknowledgment, a practice recognizing Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land. This specific phrasing emphasizes that Canada's existence and development take place on territories historically belonging to various Indigenous nations. The Grammy-nominated musician's decision sparked immediate and varied reactions from the public and commentators.

While many on social media supported Saxe's gesture as a significant statement of solidarity and awareness, others expressed criticism, arguing that national anthems should remain unaltered. Sports commentator Ben Steiner questioned why artists feel the need to change the anthem, while Toronto radio host Greg Brady stated, "STOP bastardizing ‘O Canada,’ OUR national anthem. It belongs to all of us."

This incident is not unprecedented; Canadian R&B singer Jully Black made the identical lyrical alteration during her performance of "O Canada" at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Black's performance, which aimed to draw attention to colonialism and the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples, was largely supported and earned her recognition from the Assembly of First Nations. The repetition of this change by another prominent artist underscores a growing movement to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into national symbols.

The event at the World Series has reignited broader conversations about national identity, reconciliation, and the role of public platforms in addressing Indigenous issues. It highlights the diverse perspectives within Canada on how best to acknowledge historical injustices and move forward in a spirit of reconciliation, using cultural moments to foster dialogue and awareness.