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Canada Ian Campeau has transitioned from a Juno Award-winning musician and co-founder of A Tribe Called Red, to a dedicated social activist and speaker, focusing on Indigenous issues, cultural reclamation, and advocacy for mental wellness and cannabis education.
Ian Campeau became a brand ambassador for Leafly, a website providing information about cannabis strains and dispensaries. He utilizes this platform to educate Canadians on recreational marijuana legalization and the value of medical cannabis, drawing from his personal experiences.
Ian Campeau engages in speaking engagements and works directly with organizations, promoting messages of representation and equality, as well as discussing Indigenous issues, cannabis, mental health, race, and gender.
Ian Campeau, also known as DJ NDN, was a founding member of the Juno Award-winning group A Tribe Called Red, formed in 2007. The Ottawa-based group gained recognition for their unique blend of electronic and powwow music, a style they termed “powwow-step.” A Tribe Called Red’s self-titled debut album was released in 2012, followed by “Nation II Nation” in 2013, both of which were long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. The group’s music served as a platform for social activism, addressing Indigenous rights and cultural appropriation, notably asking fans to refrain from wearing headdresses and war paint at their shows. During his time with the group, they garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Juno Awards for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2014, and Group of the Year in 2018.
In 2017, Campeau departed from A Tribe Called Red to prioritize his family and dedicate himself to social activism full-time. His work shifted towards addressing Indigenous issues, mental health, race, and gender. He currently engages in public speaking, working with organizations to promote messages of representation and equality. Campeau is actively involved in relearning his Anishinaabe culture, including language classes, and uses his platform to share his knowledge. His activism has included filing a human rights complaint against a football team for their use of a derogatory name, and advocating for wealth redistribution to bank CEOs.
Beyond his public advocacy, Campeau has embraced a more grounded lifestyle, moving to an 11-acre farm near Perth, Ontario, with his family. This change allowed him to focus on personal well-being and provided a space for his family, particularly during his wife’s journey with cancer. He openly discusses his personal experiences with depression and anxiety, and how medical cannabis has supported his mental health. Campeau also serves as a brand ambassador for Leafly, a cannabis information website, using this role to educate the public on cannabis use. He continues to explore creative outlets, including developing a book club for Indigenous authors and language posts on social media, demonstrating a continued commitment to cultural sharing and community engagement.
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