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After accusations of racism were levelled at one of its performers, the Country Thunder music festival says it is eager to have a discussion about the controversy.
Comedians Williams and Ree drew the ire of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations for their jokes on stage over the weekend in Craven, with Chief Bobby Cameron calling on the festival to cut ties with the duo.
The FSIN called one joke in particular racist — and Cameron said it was not a first offence by the comedians.
“We are calling on the Country Thunder to banish these comedians for their continued racist comments towards First Nations people. They disrespected First Nations people during the Humboldt Broncos benefit concert and it’s a disgrace that they continue to use the same racist act,” Cameron said.
Country Thunder issued a response on Wednesday, with general manager Kim Blevins saying: “We certainly welcome open dialogue and communication.”
The statement continues to say that it “understands changing times and equally changing climates of political correctness” and that racism is not tolerated at the festival.
Williams and Ree have been performing at the Craven festival since 1983. Terry Ree is of Sioux descent.
Country Thunder’s statement said it would like to keep talking with its partners in the province.
“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,” Blevins said.