Indigenous

Justin Bieber invited to 'chill out' in teepee

Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus invites Bieber to 'chill out' in his teepee. If Bieber took him up on his offer, it wouldn’t be the first time he claimed ties to Canada’s First Peoples.
Justin Bieber's claim to be 'part Indian' has been mocked on the internet. (Twitter.com)

Where in the world is Justin Bieber?

It's a question rabid fans and media outlets have been asking since the teen idol disappeared after being charged with assault at a Toronto police station last night. 

Justin Bieber arrives at a Toronto police station on Wednesday night to face an assault charge. (CBC)

Country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus just may have the answer.  

According to U.S. entertainment show Access Hollywood, the singer invited the teen idol to his ranch in Tennessee to return to his ‘native’ roots.

“Let’s go up to the teepee, build a fire, step away and just, you know, maybe take a break for a little bit, just think about what’s important,” said Cyrus. “Get back to life.… Build a fire, count the deer and the hawks and relax a little bit.”

Bieber says he's 'part Indian'

If Bieber took him up on his offer, it wouldn’t be the first time he claimed ties to Canada’s aboriginal people.

I’m actually part Indian ... I think Inuit or something.—Justin Bieber

In 2012, Beiber caused a controversy after telling Rolling Stone magazine that he has aboriginal roots.

“I’m actually part Indian,” he told the magazine. “I think Inuit or something. I’m enough per cent that in Canada I can get free gas.”

Those claims caused a Twitter storm.

His comments even invited a response from the national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

“Mr. Bieber’s comment that aboriginal people are entitled to free gas is simply not true,” said Betty Ann Lavallée, in a statement. “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."

Bieber was even invited to spend some time in aboriginal communities to learn about the people and culture. 

Although we don't know if Bieber will take Cyrus up on his offer, we can speculate he is likely to turn up for his next court appearance on March 10 in Toronto.