As a two-spirit Indigenous person, Canadian musician Jeremy Dutcher knows judgment lurks on every corner. It's brought resilience to their life and a drive to fight against it, and they're more than ready to invite more to join the ongoing revolution.
"People are rising/ So, we stand up," Dutcher sings on the outro of "Pomawsuwinuwok Wonakiyawolotuwok (People Are Rising)," strategically using English to welcome listeners beyond his Wolastoq community.
In this episode of Global Spin, Dutcher performs a stripped-down performance of the track on the piano, allowing his fiery vocals to move the performance.
"Pomawsuwinuwok Wonakiyawolotuwok (People Are Rising)" is the "resistance song for all voices" on Dutcher's new album, Motewolonuwok. In a press statement, they explain that "Motewolonuwok," or "witch," is a phrase commonly used for two-spirit people: "They're the people of great spiritual power. The honor and the strength of that, rather than it being something to be ashamed of."
Dutcher will close out 2023 with the final two shows of his Motewolonuwok Tour, which see him returning to his home country. He'll make two stops in Ontario: St. Catharines on Dec. 7, and Toronto on Dec. 9.
Press play on the video above to watch Jeremy Dutcher advocate for change with this performance of "Pomawsuwinuwok Wonakiyawolotuwok," and check back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of Global Spin.
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