Justin Bieber Remark Offends Canadian Aboriginals

Looks like the pop star Justin Bieber is finding himself in hot water over remarks that were surely not meant to offend, but have clearly upset the Canadian Aboriginals for their insulting undertones.

In a July cover story with Rolling Stone magazine, Bieber, 18, stated, "I'm actually part Indian. I think Inuit or something? I'm enough percent that in Canada I can get free gas."

Now the vice-chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Dwight Dorey claims that Bieber's comments were offensive on several fronts, especially his use of the derogatory term and stereotype.

According to Dorey, "That's a term that our people in Canada have been moving away from for years. We have enough issues with racism and stereotyping."

National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Betty Ann Lavallée adds, "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."

Surely Bieber meant no hard feelings with the remark, probably just talking conversationally not realizing what repercussions would come from his words (side note: accredited Aboriginal citizens only get a tax break when they buy gas on reservations. Gas in Canada's Northwest Territories - where many of Canada's Aboriginals reside - is about $1.40 per liter, or compared to the U.S, approximately $5.29 per gallon).The "Believe" superstar is still young and may not choose the right words every time, but looks like Dorey and Lavallée would like the teen heartthrob to do some research before making such public remarks again in the future.

Dorey doesn't harbor personal angst against the singer, stating that, "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."

In fact, following the release of the Rolling Stone interview, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples has offered to help the Biebs trace his Canadian roots and heritage if he so chooses. Bieber fans are also invited to tour the Museum of Inuit Art in Toronto free of admission throughout August.