Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was loudly booed during an appearance to open the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax.
Videos of the incident are being shared on social media showing Trudeau’s unwelcome reception before his speech.
The games take place every few years and feature Indigenous athletes from across the continent.
Athletes contend in various sports including lacrosse, canoeing, wrestling, archery, basketball, soccer and other sports.
This isn’t the first time where Trudeau was heckled by a crowd at a First Nations event.
While at a 2022 event in Kamloops, British Columbia, the prime minister was beset by Indigenous protestors.
While appearing alongside Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Nation elected chief Rosanne Casimir, Trudeau reminded his detractors to “respect (their) elders.”
“I had the opportunity earlier to speak to a number of elders, and I know for them it’s something that they want to hear – me sharing my reflection,” said Trudeau.
“I hear your anger towards me, that’s fine but I would ask you to respect your elders please. Thank you, sorry for your anger.”
Hecklers called the prime minister “criminal” and told Trudeau to “shut up” prior to his speech.
Drummers also surrounded the prime minister and called him disrespectful.
“Take your disrespect out of our tribe,” one drummer chanted at Trudeau.
“It was a difficult year for survivors and their families. It was a difficult year for Canadians as well. We have a long path ahead of us for reconciliation,” said Trudeau during his speech.
