Wed Sep 18 02:52:56 UTC 2024: ## Jeremy Dutcher Wins Second Polaris Music Prize for “Motewolonuwok”
**TORONTO -** For the second time in six years, Jeremy Dutcher has taken home the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. His album “Motewolonuwok,” a follow-up to his 2018 winning debut, “Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa,” was declared the best Canadian album of the year, earning him the $50,000 prize.
Dutcher’s latest album, written partly in English, explores the complexities of modern Indigenous experience, blending joy and sorrow. He aims to bridge the gap with English-speaking listeners, expanding his reach after the success of his debut.
The award was announced at a packed Massey Hall in Toronto, marking the largest turnout in the Polaris’ history. The evening showcased performances from several of the shortlisted artists, including Elisapie, Thunder Queens, Nobro, and Bambii.
Dutcher, a dedicated advocate for Wolastoqey language revitalization, plans to donate his prize money to Kehkimin, a language immersion school founded by his mother in New Brunswick. “We have less than 500 fluent speakers left,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
He encourages others to support Indigenous language revitalization, stating, “This is a grassroots survivor-led initiative to help an Indigenous revitalization. There’s no more tangible way to help out Indigenous people in this country.”
Dutcher believes music can transcend language barriers, and he utilizes both English and his native language in his performances to broaden his audience and raise awareness.
The Polaris Music Prize, known for its focus on artistic merit, continues to solidify its place as a celebrated platform for Canadian music, showcasing a diverse range of talent and driving conversation about important cultural and social issues.
First Piper 