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Country Thunder responds to FSIN complaint

Country Thunder Music Festivals says they currently reviewing the complaint and comments that appeared in a media release issued by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations earlier this week, “We certainly welcome open dialogue and communicatio
Williams and Ree
Williams and Ree

Country Thunder Music Festivals says they currently reviewing the complaint and comments that appeared in a media release issued by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations earlier this week,

“We certainly welcome open dialogue and communication,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals’ general manager, Kim Blevins. “This type of concern is not anything we take lightly.”  

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a release July 15 the festival should “banish” comedians Williams and Ree for their continued racist comments towards First Nations people.

Williams and Ree have been performing in the Craven Valley since 1983. Terry Ree is of Sioux descent and considers Saskatchewan his second home, says the organization, and Country Thunder Saskatchewan has had a relationship with the festival hosts for the past 15 years.

Cameron said the the FSIN’s comments some after a complaint was made of Williams & Ree saying on stage, “I’m sweating more than an Indian on rent day.”

Cameron said, “Many First Nations people support Country Thunder and have gone to Craven for years. First Nations people also contribute millions of dollars to the Saskatchewan economy.”

He also said, “[Williams and Ree] disrespected First Nations people during the Humboldt Broncos benefit concert and it’s a disgrace that they continue to use the same racist act.”

Williams and Ree, aka The Indian and the White Guy, are music and comedy team out of the Dakotas.

A news release issued Wednesday by Country Thunder Music Festivals states the organization “understands changing times and equally changing climates of political correctness not only in Saskatchewan, but in all Country Thunder host markets.”

Blevins says, rather than take anything away from what was an otherwise outstanding weekend which truly saw the people of Saskatchewan come together during rain and shine, this can be the beginning of further expanded relationships with all parties involved.

“Although we have strong Indigenous relationships in this province, we would like to restore the balance and develop a deeper understanding of the indigenous perspective,” she says. “As an organization, we have learned much about the cultures and want to continue that education.

“Now is the time to communicate with our partners and to address these concerns. Our home of Saskatchewan is the perfect place to begin this process with all Country Thunder Music Festivals throughout North America.” 

Blevins also said that during Country Thunder Saskatchewan 2019, it was their distinct honour to host a nightly on-stage ceremony acknowledging that the Country Thunder Saskatchewan festival site in the Craven Valley is held on the original lands of the Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota and Lakota – the traditional lands of the Treaty 4 territory.  The flag ceremonies used traditional Cree and Nakota language, and was very well-received by the Craven audience.  

Country Thunder Music Festivals has a 15-year history, which boasts five other major multi-day events in North America. The organization also hosts festivals in Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Alberta and Iowa.