Today, Jeremy Dutcher – the classically trained Two-Spirit song carrier, composer, activist, and member of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) in Eastern Canada – shares the final single before his sophomore album is released into the world this Friday. Pomawsuwinuwok Wonakiyawolotuwok translates to “people are rising” and is a “resistance song for all voices.” Jeremy shares the inspiration behind the piece: “Inspired by a traditional Wolastoq melody that is expanded on, this song was supposed to be on my first record, but I could never find a way to make the chorus right. I wanted to write a song that flowed between Wolastoqey language and English, in hopes of calling as many to the table as possible to witness the rising.”
our struggle isn’t
in the fields [as it once was]
it’s in the streets
the people are rising
The video, directed by tranquilo and Jeremy Dutcher was filmed during the Tobique Neqotkuk Annual Pow Wow. It is “in support, collaboration, and celebration with the Wabanaki Communities,” say tranquilo. “Gathered on 16mm film and in bright bloom; the promise of collective futures, the Wolastoqey language, the Two-Spirit space. Land Back. It has been an honour to be among your communities’ heartbeat.”
Watch the official music video here.
