GG's comment that Indigenous people are 'immigrants' sparks social media outrage

He's since apologized but Canada's Governor General sparked outrage on social media when he spoke of Indigenous peoples in quotations and referred to them as immigrants during a recent interview.

• Governor General apologizes for saying Indigenous people were immigrants

"We're a country based on immigration, going right back to our 'Indigenous people' who were immigrants as well, 10, 12, 14,000 years ago," said David Johnston, speaking to Chris Hall on the June 15 episode of CBC's The House.

'Righteous anger & fury'

Though his term expires in September, some were calling on the Governor General to step down because of his comment.

The Governor General later said he misspoke.

On Monday, threedays after theinterview airedand after announcing an upcoming ceremony honouring Indigenous leaders Johnston tweeted about his statement.

But his use of "our'"when referring to Indigenous people didn't sit well with someeither.

On Monday, Johnston offered a more detailed apologyfor his comments while speaking at theceremony at Rideau Hall.

"The better country we desire is above all a more inclusive one that supports, encourages and acknowledges the contributions of all peoples, including Indigenous peoples, the original peoples of this land. Let me apologize for not expressing myself correctly on this matter recently. Indigenous peoples are the original peoples," Johnston said.