Tobique First Nation singer-songwriter Mike Bern has released 'The Belt', a new single exploring the lasting effects of war, family trauma and the experiences passed between generations.

Written from a child's perspective, the song follows a relationship with a father who returned from war carrying experiences that continued to shape his family life.

An old belt hanging by the door becomes a central symbol throughout the track, representing discipline, hardship and pain that remained largely unspoken within the household.

Rather than passing judgement on the father, Bern presents him as a flawed and resilient man who remained committed to his family while dealing with the effects of war.

Produced by Mathieu LeGuerrier, 'The Belt' looks at how those experiences can continue to affect families long after conflict has ended.

The themes of healing and moving beyond difficult periods also reflect changes in Bern's own life.

Bern recently marked one year of sobriety after stepping away from drug and alcohol addiction, describing the change as a major shift in his outlook.

He reflected on reaching the milestone in a post shared through Instagram.

"I've never felt more at peace in my life. It's remarkable how some changes can profoundly shift your perspective," Bern said.

"Everything is aligning just as I envisioned. While there's always room for growth, I genuinely feel like I have a solid handle on my life now."

The song captures a different form of emotional inheritance through memories of the family home.

"That old black belt hanging by the door / Was worn down thin from years before / Still echoes through these walls," Bern sings.

"Pain rolls on / Pain rolls on / A house can feel like that / When the war never leaves a man."

'The Belt' continues Bern's focus on personal memory and lived experience, which has been a recurring part of his songwriting.

Raised along the Tobique and Wolastoq rivers, Bern began pursuing songwriting while in rehabilitation after a counsellor recognised the poetic and song-like qualities of his writing.

He has since released the albums 'Waponahkew' and 'Ancestors', alongside singles including 'First Mother', 'Reverberation', 'New World', 'Echoes', 'We Are the Stars' and 'Into The River'.

Several of his songs have reached the top of the Indigenous Music Countdown, while his music has also earned three Native American Music Award nominations.

Before beginning his solo career, Bern fronted bands Kickin' Krotch and District Avenue and opened for acts including Seaway, The Trews, One Bad Son and The Motorleague.

District Avenue's music video for 'Revival' was also featured at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Bern's music combines raspy rock vocals with acoustic folk influences and elements of Southern Gospel, with Chris Otepka, Frankie Miller and Ben Schneider among the artists he has credited as influences.

He also acknowledged the difficulties he experienced before becoming sober and the support he received from his wife.

"It's been a full year since I embraced sobriety, stepping away from the grips of drug and alcohol addiction," Bern said.

"Many of you witnessed me at my lowest, and I'm incredibly thankful to have moved past that phase.

"I couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of my loving wife, who has walked this journey of sobriety alongside me... Thank you for your patience with my stubbornness."

'The Belt' is the lead single from Bern's upcoming seven-song album, expected later this year.

The project will continue his exploration of healing, family, Indigenous identity and finding hope through difficult experiences.

'The Belt' is now available on streaming platforms.