Twin Flames - About

About Twin Flames

Since forming in 2014, Twin Flames—Chelsey June and Jaaji—have become one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous folk duos, earning over 50 music awards and nominations, including four Canadian Folk Music Awards, three Native American Music Awards, and the 2022 and 2025 Capital Music Award for Group of the Year.

Their music has reached audiences worldwide, with over 2,000 performances across Canada, the U.S., Australia, France, Greenland, and the Arctic. In 2019, they were named artists-in-residence at Folk Alliance International and collaborated with UNESCO on “Human,” the official song for the International Year of Indigenous Languages, which hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.

Rooted in cultural pride and personal conviction, Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June (of Settler and Indigenous heritage, from Ottawa/Gatineau) left careers in policing and government to pursue music full-time. Their paths first crossed on the set of APTN’s Talent Autochtones Musical TV show, sparking a creative partnership defined by passion, purpose, and a love of adventure.

At its core, Twin Flames is about connection—between cultures, histories, and hearts. Their powerful harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and immersive performances continue to ignite audiences and bridge worlds, one song at a time.

Chelsey June and Jaaji have shared the stage with many session musicians, but the band, at its core, is made up of Chelsey and Jaaji.

Jaaji pronounced (Yaa Yee)

Jaaji is the magnetic and captivating male vocalist of Twin Flames, the multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo that has inspired audiences across Canada and around the world. An Inuk and Mohawk singer-songwriter, composer. Jaaji’s music is rooted in the strength and storytelling traditions of his ancestors—infused with a contemporary spirit that bridges generations and transcends borders.

Jaaji’s voice is warm, inviting, and distinguished by a higher vocal range than one might expect—delivering a uniquely soothing and expressive tone. Whether singing in Inuttitut or English, his voice connects with listeners on an intimate level, echoing stories of identity, love, and survival.

In addition to his vocals, Jaaji is a highly skilled and innovative guitarist. Known for his use of baritone guitars and layered pedal effects, he crafts immersive soundscapes that are both atmospheric and emotionally resonant. His playing style is distinctive—blending rhythmic precision with melodic nuance—and his creative use of reverb, and delay pedals allows him to build rich sonic textures that elevate every performance. Jaaji’s guitar work is not just accompaniment; it is a vital voice in the musical storytelling that defines Twin Flames’ signature sound.

A fluent Inuttitut speaker and proud advocate for Inuit culture, Jaaji brings ancestral language and perspective to the forefront of his music. His work is both a celebration and preservation of Inuit heritage—boldly sharing it through contemporary soundscapes that speak to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. Jaaji lives a life of sobriety, guided by intention, discipline, and a deep respect for his craft and community.

Jaaji’s upbringing bridges two powerful Indigenous worlds: he spent his summers on the Kahnawake reservation with his Mohawk father and his winters in Nunavik, raised by his maternal grandparents with traditional ways of Inuit. This unique duality shaped his identity and continues to influence the rich cultural depth of his music. His lived experience gives voice to the complexities of Indigenous life and fosters a profound sense of connection in his storytelling.

His live performances are immersive and heartfelt, grounded in powerful narrative and cultural connection. Whether through his emotive guitar playing, vocal delivery, or spoken word reflections, Jaaji creates meaningful moments of reflection and unity—offering a transformative experience that resonates long after the final note.

Beyond music, Jaaji is a respected leader, mentor, and former police officer who uses his voice to raise awareness about issues affecting Indigenous communities, including mental health, intergenerational trauma, language revitalization, and justice reform.

As co-founder of Twin Flames Music Inc., Jaaji plays a central role in shaping the group’s artistic vision and social impact. Together with Chelsey June, he has earned numerous national and international awards, performed in communities large and small, and used music as a bridge for healing, reconciliation, and understanding.

Originally from Quaqtaq, Nunavik, and now based in the National Capital Region, Jaaji’s journey reflects the spirit and resilience of the North. His artistry is more than performance—it is a channel for truth, tradition, and transformation.

With a voice that gently disarms and guitar work that transports, Jaaji continues to inspire and uplift—reminding us that change begins with song.

Chelsey June is the magnetic and evocative lead vocalist of Twin Flames, the multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo that has captivated audiences across Canada and around the world. A Canadian singer-songwriter and storyteller with both settler and Indigenous ancestry, Chelsey’s work is rooted in the complex beauty of carrying multiple cultural identities—interweaving histories of resilience, healing, and belonging.

With soul-stirring vocals that radiate strength and vulnerability, Chelsey’s voice is unmistakable—rich, emotional, and deeply expressive. Whether delivering a whisper-soft ballad or an anthem of survival, she reaches into the hearts of listeners, evoking truth and transformation through every note. Her performances are not just musical—they are immersive experiences, weaving together song, spirit, and story.

Chelsey performs with her signature haunting spirit flute, whose ethereal tones stir memory, connection, and ancestral presence. Time seems to pause as she plays, the flute becoming a vessel for healing that transcends language and touches the soul. She also plays a hand drum in a style uniquely her own—fusing techniques from Irish bodhrán and Indigenous hand drum traditions—creating a rhythmic heartbeat that grounds each performance.

Fluently bilingual in English and French, Chelsey has spent the past decade performing in English, French, and Inuttitut, earning acclaim for her ability to build bridges across cultures. As a proud woman and mother, she brings depth and purpose to her work, championing mental health, sobriety, identity, and the power of music to heal and connect.

Beyond the stage, Chelsey is a dynamic force—an author, poet, actress, model, MC, and speaker. She has co-hosted the Canadian Folk Music Awards (2022, 2023) and led the Capital Music Awards (2023), showcasing her charisma and leadership within the Canadian arts scene. Her commitment to independent artistry earned her a 2025 nomination for Women in Music Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year, a testament to her vision and drive.

Raised between Ottawa and Gatineau, with family roots in Maniwaki, QC, Chelsey discovered her passion for music early in life. She released her debut album Seize the Day (2013) and the critically acclaimed EP Finding Me (2014).

A voice for those navigating identity, grief, motherhood, and recovery, Chelsey’s artistry is a beacon of hope, truth, and transformation. With authenticity at her core, she continues to inspire and empower—proving that music isn’t just a performance; it’s a movement, a medicine, and a way forward.

"My name is Chelsey June. I do not claim to be a Status Indigenous person, nor do I claim membership in any specific community. What I do claim—proudly and honestly—is my lineage, my ancestors, and the cultural identity I was raised to honour. My heritage includes Anishinaabe (Commandant-Brascoupé), Métis (Hodgson), and Cree (James Bay region) roots. I am the sum of all my relations.

For many like me, the journey to belonging is complex and often misunderstood.

I have always approached my identity with respect, honesty, and transparency. I have never sought to lie, deceive, or benefit from Indigenous Status claims. My understanding of my ancestry has evolved, not because of any shift in my identity, but because laws governing Indigeneity have continually changed. My lineage has been verified through oral history and the work of master genealogists. I have not race-shifted—I have only navigated the systems that determine who "qualifies" as Indigenous.

For years, I have asked for guidance from Indigenous communities and knowledge keepers to better understand where I fit. This journey is not unique to me. Many people, particularly those of mixed ancestry, struggle to find a place within the frameworks imposed by colonial structures—frameworks that often fail to reflect the full scope of Indigenous identity.

I deeply appreciate those who have shown love and respect as I continue to navigate these systems. From my earliest memories, my family instilled in me a profound love and respect for my Indigenous heritage, while also acknowledging my settler ancestry. Both sides of my lineage are part of who I am.

Most importantly, I firmly believe that our ancestors do not expire—their legacy lives on through us. I choose to honour them through music, storytelling, and advocacy. Together with my amazing husband, I will continue to share my voice and songs with the world, in the hope that one day, love, understanding, and kindness will prevail."