Jelly Roll is lending his support to an initiative that is advocating for equitable health-care services for Indigenous people. The multi-award-winning Nashville rapper-turned-country artist is known for his inspiring message of healing from addiction and mental health struggles. He will be performing, along with Allie Colleen and Callie Twisselman at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines on July 8. It is his first show outside the United States since he was given permission to enter Canada, something he had not been able to do until recently because of past criminal convictions.
Proceeds from the show will go to support the Heather Winterstein Foundation, created by Heather’s family in her memory.
Winterstein, who was 24 at the time of her death, in December 2021, had been brought via ambulance to the emergency department at what is now known as the Marotta Family Hospital on Dec. 9, 2021, complaining of back pain. She was given Tylenol and sent home, but the next day Winterstein returned to the ER and later collapsed and died on the emergency room floor. It was later revealed that she had died from Strep A blood infection.
A coroner’s inquest will be held to look at the circumstances surrounding the young Indigenous woman’s death.
With support from the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, the foundation aims to support Indigenous prevention programs and healing services; advocate for Indigenous health services locally, provincially, and nationally and offer scholarships for Indigenous individuals pursuing post-secondary education institutions in the fields of nursing and medicine.
In a statement, Winterstein’s family expressed their gratitude to the artist.
“The family of Heather Winterstein is honoured by Jelly Roll’s support and also for the work of his team in Nashville,” the statement said. “The message in his artistry aligns so well with Heather’s legacy. As we look forward, we need to remember that our relatives who suffer from substance use disorder matter.”
FENFC Executive Director Jennifer Dockstader said the show will give the foundation the start it needs.
“The proceeds of this concert will launch our fundraising to support Indigenous healing and Indigenous advocacy for health care, and, in the future, will allow us to help Indigenous people to join the health-care system as nurses and doctors.”
Ticket prices range from $99 to $169 plus taxes and fees and go on sale Thursday for the centre’s “In the Know” newsletter subscribers and to the public on Friday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased through ticketmaster.ca.
Kay Meilleur, regional director of marketing for the Meridian Centre and Canada Games Park called the show a “historic moment” for the centre and Jelly Roll’s fans here.
“Working with local promoter David Grand to bring Jelly to our city has been no small feat,” she said. “Despite the challenges, we are proud to be the venue where he will make his Canadian debut.”
