Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud Jesse Wente on Thomas King and finding hope in a hard moment
Nov 28, 2025
Jesse Wente, a writer and Storyteller in Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares his profound insights on the recent revelation about Thomas King's ancestry. He unpacks the complex emotions surrounding this news and its impact on King's legacy and works. Jesse discusses the disruption it caused in their film collaboration and reflects on his own mental health journey amid these struggles. Highlighting the importance of accountability and resilience, he offers hope for healing within Indigenous communities and recommends various Indigenous stories to explore.
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Early Doubts During Film Production
- Jesse Wente describes confronting doubts about Thomas King years earlier during the film production of The Inconvenient Indian.
- That private questioning never fully resolved and their working relationship drifted apart afterward.
Personal Health Toll And Recovery
- Jesse recounts a prior collapse after similar revelations that led to deep depression and suicidal ideation.
- He later entered long-term therapy and ceremony to heal and rebuild his life and work.
Stay Open Without Armoring Up
- Jesse urges generosity in trusting people while accepting the risk of being hurt.
- He recommends preparing for potential hurt rather than hardening yourself with a permanent shield.
