ʔaq̓am Chief and Council March 4 issued a response to Key City Theatre’s recent statement surrounding an impending performance by Canadian outrage comedian Ben Bankas, asking for the cancellation of the show.

Key City Theatre’s statement outlines it has a signed rental contract and “after careful consideration of the legal, financial, and institutional implications, we have decided to honour that agreement.”

It also noted, “As a result of this situation, we have put formal policies and procedures in place that will allow us to decline future rental events that conflict with our mission and values.”

ʔaq̓am Chief and Council’s response

“As Nasuʔkin and Council of ʔaq̓am, we have reviewed Key City Theatre’s statement that the views of Ben Bankas do not reflect the values of the organization and the board’s commitment to prioritize strengthening rental policies. That recognition matters.

“However, we cannot ignore the harm this event represents for many in our community and cannot condone this event and any rationale allowing it to move forward. The language and positions associated with this performer have targeted Indigenous peoples, residential school survivors, 2SLGBTQIA+ relatives, murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and others who already carry disproportionate burdens of discrimination and violence.”

Fernie Pride Society has also stated opposition to the March 20 show.

“We call on Key City to follow the lead of other communities and cancel the March 20 event,” ʔaq̓am council’s response continued.

“This is not a question of silencing debate. Public cultural venues operating in Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis have responsibilities beyond contracts. They are gathering places, and with that comes an obligation to uphold dignity, safety, and respect.

“It is our position that cancelling one event that promotes hate speech towards survivors and their families does set a precedent – that this type of event is unacceptable.

“Outrage comedy rooted in violence against Indigenous communities has no place within our territory. Cultural spaces, such as Key City Theatre, should be a safe place of belonging and collective care for all. That must remain the standard.

“To Ben Bankas, and those like him, we ask, why is it that you need to make fun of other people, to step on other people, in order for you to feel worthy or good about yourself? We see you as pitiful, lacking in knowledge of the harms you are inflicting, and we sincerely hope you seek the understanding you need,” response concluded.

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