April 20, 2022

Last year, I was dropped from the lineup of a music festival after they were contacted by individuals raising allegations against me. I was denied an opportunity to respond, and was not provided with information on what I was being accused of or by whom. Local media immediately picked this up and spread the story far and wide.

These are complicated times, when it’s important for individuals and institutions to consider the impact of their historic actions and take responsibility, to listen to voices who speak up against them and engage in a true process of reflection and making amends. But it’s also a time when we must reset how these conversations take place, and to what end. The truth does not lie in online rumours or allegations, and neither does real healing.

I have always taken these matters very seriously and remain open to discussion, dialogue, feedback, and criticism about my behaviour and harm I have caused. I welcome and invite conversation towards healing and have reached out to former intimate partners when appropriate, and I’ve tried rebuilding friendships when it has felt authentic. I believe I show up to conversations in good faith. I am open to addressing history, not through social media or press releases, but through a genuine process for healing.

I myself am a survivor of extreme intergenerational trauma, sexual abuse, violence and extreme racism. Eight years ago, at twenty seven years old, I finally realised that I didn’t make it out okay. I also realised with the help of a therapist and the support of the people around me that I would be okay if I continued to work on deepening my understanding of my trauma and facing it. These issues matter to me, and it is important for me to take responsibility for what is mine as a Dene man. I’m also committed to helping other Indigenous men along this path.

I have lost a lot of work over the last year, as employers have been forced to take a position absent any real process of disclosure, discussion or restorative justice. I understand these decisions, and I hope that this genuine statement of intention can help put us all on a better path, where real learning and accountability is possible.

I hope to continue creating music and doing the work I love while working towards resolution in this matter. I hope anyone I have hurt is open to joining me in this process; I’ve opened an invitation to a facilitated accountability circle that I hope can provide a real starting point for healing.