Chris Hemsworth apologizes for Native American costume

Chris Hemsworth has apologized for his "ignorance" in dressing as a Native American last year (16).

The Thor actor was attending a party on New Year's Eve last year with his family when he donned the ensemble. And despite it being almost a year later, Chris posted a lengthy message on his Instagram page revealing it had been bothering him "for some time".

"Last New Year's Eve I was at a Lone Ranger themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of First Nations people," Chris wrote on Thursday (27Oct16). "I was stupidly unaware of the offense this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologize to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action.

"I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way."

Chris posted the apology alongside a picture announcing he is supporting the protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Standing in his Thor costume alongside Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi, the pair holds up a card announcing their intentions to protest the pipeline. Chris added: "Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water. #nodapl #waterislife #mniwiconi @taikawaititi."

The Dakota Access Pipeline in Sioux County, North Dakota will transport crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois but has been faced with many protests, including from famous faces such as Chris and Divergent actress Shailene Woodley, who was arrested earlier this month (Oct16) as she attended a peaceful protest alongside around 100 people.

Following her arrest, Shailene opened up about her reasoning for joining the protest, insisting she wants people to pay attention to the urgent need to protect natural resources.

"I was in North Dakota, standing in solidarity, side-by-side with a group of over 200 water protectors, people who are fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline," she wrote in a powerful TIME magazine essay. "People who carry a rainbow of colors on their skin. People who gathered together because they realize that if we don't begin taking genuine steps to protect our precious resources - our soil, our water, our essential elements - we will not have a healthy or thriving planet to pass on to future generations."