Wardruna’s Generous Donation to Firekeeper Alliance
The Norwegian world music collective Wardruna has made headlines by donating over $14,000 to the Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities and suicide prevention initiatives in Browning, Montana. This significant contribution was raised through the sale of a unique, limited-edition t-shirt designed by a student from the Blackfeet Nation, with sales exceeding 500 units both online and during the Fire in the Mountains festival held in July.
Community Response and Impact
In a heartfelt statement, Wardruna expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from their global community: “It makes us profoundly happy and proud to see that the Wardruna community all over the world responded with a genuine desire to support the Firekeeper Alliance, their cause, purpose, and work.” The band emphasized the importance of tackling difficult issues, stating, “True light-work is about daring to name and face the shadows, the dark and the pain. Thank you, Firekeeper Alliance, for your important work with suicide prevention. It was deeply moving to see the positive ripples of this work at Fire in the Mountains. Keep the fire burning!”
The T-Shirt Design and Its Significance
The t-shirt, designed by Reb Pollock as part of the Heavy Music Symposium for youth in Browning, symbolizes resilience, rootedness, and the inner strength of the Southern Pikunni. Firekeeper Alliance director Charlie Speicher described the collaboration among the festival, the non-profit, Wardruna, label By Norse, and AISAmusic as “one of the most powerful relationships I’ve been a part of.” He added, “This support of our mission and the work we are doing means a lot to us. From the very bottom of our hearts, thank you. This gesture… is going to translate directly to creating a safer world here for our loved ones. Please know that your love, support, and generosity has lifted our organization to allow us to help our community in ways we never dreamed would be possible.”
Cultural Collaborations at Fire in the Mountains
Wardruna‘s participation at the Fire in the Mountains festival went beyond fundraising; it included meaningful cultural and ceremonial collaborations with the Blackfeet Nation. Band members engaged in workshops, shared stories of their history, and connected deeply with both the local community and festival attendees. Main composer Einar Selvik reflected on the profound nature of the experience, stating, “It was one of those events that changes people and views.”
Upcoming Tour Dates
Fans of Wardruna will have the opportunity to experience their music live at various venues across North America and Europe. Here are some of the upcoming tour dates:
- 9/4 Ft. Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium
- 9/5 San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
- 9/7 Phoenix, AZ – Ikeda Theatre – Mesa Arts Center
- 9/8 Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre (no Chelsea Wolfe)
- 9/9 Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
- 9/11 Portland, OR – The Keller Auditorium
- 9/14 Seattle, WA – The Moore Theater
- 9/16 Salt Lake City, UT – Capitol Theatre
- 9/17 Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center
- 9/19 Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
- 9/20 Chicago, IL – The Auditorium Theater
- 9/22 Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
- 9/23 Rochester, NY – Kodak Center
- 9/24 Boston, MA – Wang Theater
- 9/26 New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
- 9/27 Philadelphia, PA – Kimmel Center
- 9/28 Washington, DC – Warner Theater
- 11/14 Hannover, DE – Kuppelsaal
- 11/16 Copenhagen, DK – Det Kongelige Teater – Gamle Scene
- 11/17 Copenhagen, DK – Det Kongelige Teater – Gamle Scene
- 11/19 Stockholm, SE – Cirkus
- 11/21 Helsinki, FI – Finlandia-Talo
- 11/22 Lahti, FI – Sibeliustalo
- 11/23 Tampere, FI – Tampere-Talo
- 11/25 Tallinn, EE – Alexela Kontserdimaja
- 11/27 Wroclaw, PL – Centennial Hall
- 11/28 Munich, DE – Showpalast
- 11/29 Stuttgart, DE – Liederhalle – Beethoven-Saal
- 12/2 Porto, PT – Casa de Música
- 12/4 Madrid, ES – The Music Station
- 12/6 Toulouse, FR – Salle Horizon
- 12/7 Torino, IT – Auditorium del Lingotto
- 12/8 Strasbourg, FR – Le Palais de la Musique et des Congrès
Conclusion
Wardruna’s donation to the Firekeeper Alliance exemplifies the power of music and community in fostering positive change. By supporting Indigenous communities and addressing critical issues such as suicide prevention, they are making a lasting impact through their art. The collaboration between Wardruna, the Blackfeet Nation, and the Firekeeper Alliance not only raises funds but also deepens cultural connections, illustrating how music can unite and empower diverse communities.
FAQs
What is the Firekeeper Alliance?
The Firekeeper Alliance is a non-profit organization that supports Indigenous communities, focusing on suicide prevention and promoting mental health awareness.
How was the money raised for the Firekeeper Alliance?
Over $14,000 was raised through the sale of a limited-edition t-shirt designed by a Blackfeet Nation student during the Fire in the Mountains festival and online sales.
What is the significance of the t-shirt design?
The t-shirt symbolizes resilience, rootedness, and the inner strength of the Southern Pikunni, representing the cultural identity and spirit of the Blackfeet Nation.
What activities did Wardruna participate in at the Fire in the Mountains festival?
Wardruna engaged in ceremonial and cultural collaborations, hosted workshops, shared stories, and connected with both the local community and festival-goers.
Where can I find tickets for Wardruna’s upcoming shows?
Tickets for Wardruna’s upcoming shows can be purchased through their official website and various ticketing platforms.
