Greta Van Fleet singer Josh Kiszka For Appropriating Indigenous Culture
via Hello There / Youtube
Greta Van Fleet lead singer Josh Kiszka has issued a public apology acknowledging the backlash for a resurfaced 2017 Instagram post, in which he was seen wearing an Indigenous costume on stage and appropriating the culture.
Fans of the Michigan-based rock band recently had taken up a #SpeakUpGVF hashtag online calling for the singer to address the issue and delete the photo posted five years ago.
In response to the social media campaign, the band made a charitable donation to the First Nations Development Institute, a nonprofit organization that assists Native American tribes.
Kiszka has addressed the concerns in a new Instagram post on April 18, writing:
“To our Indigenous fans, I see you. I’ve taken time to listen and gather my thoughts. My appreciation for Indigenous culture is bigger than myself. I recognize the harm that ignorance can have on marginalized communities, something I’d never want to perpetuate. Hate, disrespect and prejudice of any kind are not welcome in this community. As I’ve come into adulthood, I’ve been able to grow and learn. This growth has not stopped and will not stop here.”
Although Kiszka is not Native American, he noted that:
“The Chippewa tribe has had a particularly profound impact on my life, having been exposed to their ceremonies and customs during my early years growing up in Michigan. I have made a charitable donation [to] the First Nations Development Institute to help keep Indigenous traditions like theirs alive and well. Should you want to support with me, please visit firstnations.org.
“Peace, Love, Unity, & Equality. Always. Josh.”
Greta Van Fleet has postponed their entire U.S. spring tour last month after guitarist Jake Kiszka, Josh’s brother, recovered from a case of pneumonia that required hospitalization. They are now scheduled to return to the stage on April 27 to open for Metallica in Santiago, Chile.
