January 12, 2016 by Amanda Froelich (www.trueactivist.com)

“It is time that we recognize your history and that we protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and people that are out there to exploit them,” said DiCaprio.

The audience was vibrating as Leonardo DiCaprio stepped onto the stage and accepted his award for Best Actor at the Golden Globes last night.

As the clapping tapered off, DiCaprio began his acceptance speech. Humbled, he shared his thanks to those who helped him achieve the award, as well as paid tribute to indigenous people and their lands around the world.

Said the actor:“I want to share this award with all the First Nations people represented in this film and all the indigenous communities around the world. It is time that we recognize your history and that we protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and people that are out there to exploit them.”

“It is time that we heard your voice and protect this planet for future generations.”

Social media blew up with wide praise by fans. Some of the tweets thanking the 41-year-old for bringing the issue front and center follow: (Few Twitter Tweets are below)

Cameron Bailey @cameron_tiff
Thank you, @LeoDiCaprio, for paying tribute to Canada’s First Nations and the indigenous people of the Americas. #GoldenGlobes
11:03 PM – 10 Jan 2016 • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Franchesca Ramsey @chescaleigh
Glad that Indigenous people are getting a shout out, good on you Leo. Kudos to the film for casting Indigenous ppl #GoldenGlobes
10:59 PM – 10 Jan 2016
298 298 Retweets 463 463 likes

CBS This Morning ✔ @CBSThisMorning
Props to #LeonardoDiCaprio for using his time to bring attention to preserving indigenous lands #TheRevenant -@sherylunderwood #GoldenGlobes
11:04 PM – 10 Jan 2016
50 50 Retweets 105 105 likes

Dr Wallace J Nichols @wallacejnichols
Big applause 4 @LeoDiCaprio 4 his acting + fighting for nature and indigenous rights every day #GoldenGlobes #RacingExtinction @1bluemarble
10:58 PM – 10 Jan 2016
32 32 Retweets 32 32 likes

The star divulged with Variety that for the role, he had to learn how to shoot a musket, build a fire, speak two Native American languages (Pawnee and Arikara), and study with a doctor who specializes in ancient healing techniques.

The full-on immersion might have made the part the hardest in his career, but it taught him to appreciate Indigenous communities and the melding of cultures around the world.

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/leo-dicaprio-shares-award-for-best-actor-with-indigenous-people/

Image: Golden globe – http://www.independent.co.uk/