Leonardo DiCaprio's shout out to First Nations cause for introspection

During Leonard DiCaprios thank you speech for best actor, The Revenant, at the Golden Globes, he acknowledged not only First Nations people but all indigenous people around the world. Social media lit up with both praise and skepticism.

Some quick to praise, but others skeptical of The Revenant star's Golden Globe speech

Kim Wheeler CBC News Posted: Jan 11, 2016 4:51 PM EST | Last Updated: January 14, 2016

Leonardo DiCaprio holds the Best Actor, Motion Picture, Drama, award for The Revenant at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC Universal/Handout/Reuters)

In Leonard DiCaprio's thank you speech for best actor at the Golden Globes, hisacknowledgement ofFirst Nations people was front and centre.

"I want to share this award with all the First Nations people represented in this film and all the indigenous communities around the world," said DiCaprio, who played thelead role as a fur trapper seeking retribution inThe Revenant.

He added: "It is time we recognize your history and protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and people who are out there to exploit them."

Immediately indigenous people took to social media to praise the actor:

Leonardo #Dicaprio thank you so much for the acknowledgment for the First Nations in your acceptance speech!!! #therevenant #FN
—@Waawaate

What??? @LeoDiCaprio thanking Indigenous people and protecting the land from corporations. Miigwetch. Ahhee' #GoldenGlobes
—@tinselkorey

@LeoDiCaprio Congrats to you Leonardo DiCaprio on your Golden Globe win, and Thank you for remembering us. #FirstNations #Indigenous
—@LeeLongWolf

But others did not buy into his words:

Sad for the stand around the Fort NDNs who take crumbs of praise. Hollywood keeps stereotyping FN ppl! Should we be proud? #TheRevenant
—@RachelAnnSnow

When do we give Leo a prize for meeting the minimum requirement of being a decent human being? I'm sure white people have an award for that.
—@TobyRollo

Someone pointed out Marlon Brando's Oscar controversy:

An important thing to remember is Sacheen Littlefeather was subject to all manner of hate for her speech, which Leo will not experience.
—@Kamayaam

Brando sent actor and activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline his Oscar for his 1973 win of best actor for The Godfather.

And otherspointed out the obvious:

@LeoDiCaprio #advocating,giving acknowledgements, 4 #indigenous storiesvoices Sometimes white men have to tell other white men whats up!
—@Jbthefirstlady

As nice as was for @LeoDiCaprio to acknowledge the native struggle, Marlon Brando said same in 70s. Nothing changes. https://t.co/ypzDiDUs5I
—@chicosez

Although there seems to be overwhelming support for DiCaprio, his speechalso generated discussion among indigenous commentators about how Hollywood represents them.

Whether you agree ordisagree with the Golden Globe winner, one thing is for certain Hollywood is probably wondering who the First Nations are.

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