Twin Flames - Our Story
Twin Flames build bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, and have been celebrated internationally. This, alongside their substantial body of work, make it clear that they have something special going on. In just eight years of recording and performing as Twin Flames, the duo has accumulated 44 music awards and nominations.
Twin Flames offer a memorable show with the perfect blend of music, comedy and thought-provoking stories. Their synchronicity and love shine through at every show.
Recipients of 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, 3 Native American Music Awards, 3 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and the 2022 Capital Music Award (Group of the year.) Jaaji and Chelsey met on-set during the filming of APTN's TAM in 2014. In 2015 they created the band Twin Flames.
Indie rock, synth rock, and folk pop are just a few of the labels critics have assigned to the music of Twin Flames. Their unique style and sound make it difficult to narrow their work to a single genre.
Twin Flames create sonic soundscapes using Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and western instruments. They craft enticing musical arrangements, standout harmonies, and beautiful rhythmic patterns. The result is a warm, perfect blend of sounds. In addition, Twin Flames shares a genuine love for songwriting that stands out lyrically and melodically for the world to hear.
From the beginning, this husband and wife duo has chosen to let their music speak for itself. Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June; Settler (with Algonquin, Métis, Cree heritage), write songs delivered through a mix of English, French and Inuttitut.
A revered powerhouse couple well on their way to becoming a Canadian household name, the sky seems to be no limit for this pair.
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 lead male voice and songwriter for the multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo Twin Flames. Jaaji is also a public figure, published author, model, and actor. He has contributed to many community wellness campaigns and continues to dedicate his time to raising awareness about Canada’s past from an Indigenous perspective. Jaaji is a proud father and mentor. He Hosted the Capital Music Awards in 2023 with Chelsey June.
“Jaaji” is an Inuit name derived from the English “George.” Jaaji grew up in a humble fly-in community called Quaqtaq in Northern Nunavik, QC. His grandparents raised him in the traditional ways of the Inuit. Much of his songwriting reflects this upbringing by depicting life on the land. Jaaji spent his childhood summers with his biological father in Kahnawake, a reserve of the traditionally Iroquoian-speaking Mohawk nation on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. He was raised in two different worlds and cultures. He advocates for language revitalization and preservation, passionate about including the Inuttitut language in his songs.
In 2014, Jaaji decided to commit to music full-time. With his first album Nunaga, he won Indigenous Language Album of the Year at the 2015 Indigenous Music Awards.
Before his music career, Jaaji served as a police officer for 12 years in Quaqtaq, QC and Kuujjuaq in the Nunavik region of Quebec. After he retired from policing, he served as a behavioural tech at the local high school in Quaqtaq. He also took on the role of a cultural teacher, implementing projects that offered Inuit youth opportunities for land-based learning. He further worked for Makivik as the head of the Inuit Dog Slaughter compensation files. Jaaji lives a life of sobriety and shares his recovery story openly.
Chelsey June
Chelsey June is the lead female voice and songwriter for multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous folk duo Twin Flames. Chelsey is a public figure, published author, poet, model, MC and actress. She co-hosted the Canadian Folk Music Award alongside Benoit Bourque in 2022 and 2023. She also hosted the Capital Music Awards with Jaaji in 2023. She is involved in many community outreach programs and charitable organizations. She is fluent in both English and French. Chelsey is a proud mother.
Chelsey June was raised in Ottawa and Gatineau by her mother. Chelsey’s mother originates from the small town of Maniwaki, QC.
From a young age, Chelsey discovered her true passion for music, and it became a pillar of comfort and a sense of belonging in her life.
Her soul-stirring vocals and songwriting prowess unveil a tapestry of emotions that captivates all who listen. In 2013, she unveiled her debut album, "Seize the Day," followed by her first EP, "Finding Me," in 2014. Prior to joining forces as Twin Flames, Chelsey June and Jaaji had already established successful individual music careers. Their paths serendipitously crossed on the set of APTN's Talent Autochtones Musical, setting the stage for their remarkable musical journey together.
Chelsey is passionate about promoting mental well-being, fostering healthy relationships, and embracing a sober lifestyle.
Statement from Chelsey June:
"My name is Chelsey June. I do not claim to be a Status Indigenous person; I only state my lineage, and no community claims me. I was raised with so much pride in my cultural identity and Indigenous heritage. My ancestral connections include Anishinaabe (Commandant-Brascoupé), Métis (Hodgson), and Cree (James Bay region). I am the sum of all my relations.
For many people like me, the journey to belonging is complex; people who do not feel they belong based on colonial systems lack a sense of value and cultural identity as a direct result. As new information reveals itself and the histories of family ties evolve, the pain of not being enough and not belonging can slowly heal.
I have always gone about my journey with the utmost respect and honesty. I have never set out to lie, deceive or benefit from claims of Indigenous Status. My process of identifying exact lineage has been lengthy because I have different communities represented in my family lines, which have been verified by oral history and master genealogists. I have never race-shifted, only changed definitions based on the ever-changing laws of who can claim Indigeneity.
Over the years, I have asked for guidance to determine where and to what group I should belong. In the current climate of cancel society, asking for help, and knowing where to turn or trust has been difficult.
I appreciate everyone's love and respect as I navigate the systems put in place to identify Indigenous peoples here in Canada. It's important to note from my earliest memories my family raised me with a deep love and respect for my Indigenous heritage. I have always acknowledged that I also have settler ancestry from both my maternal and paternal sides. It, too, is a part of my identity.
Lately, I have been a target on social media. I will continue to be proud of my Indigenous lineage. I ask for patience and understanding as I continue the process of attaining formal documentation and answers.
I firmly believe that our ancestors do not expire; I choose to remember and honour them. I will continue to share my songs and voice with my amazing husband by my side and hope that one day, love, understanding and kindness will prevail in this world.
I am a human being, a mother, daughter, wife and friend. I am a musician, an animal and nature lover. I pour love into everything I do and to every person I meet. I hope to leave a positive footprint and make this place better for future generations." Chelsey June