Jeremy Dutcher

Jeremy Dutcher, a classically-trained Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) tenor, composer, and activist from the Tobique First Nation, delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Vancouver Folk Festival. Known for his groundbreaking album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, which won the 2018 Polaris Music Prize and a 2019 Juno Award, Dutcher blends his operatic training with traditional Maliseet songs, reviving his community’s endangered language and culture. His 2023 album Motewolonuwok, featuring both Maliseet-Passamaquoddy and English lyrics, earned a Juno nomination and Polaris shortlist spot. A two-spirit artist, Dutcher’s work bridges ancestral traditions with contemporary artistry, creating a powerful celebration of Indigenous identity and resilience