Jeremy Dutcher Collaborates with Homalco Language Team on Revitalization Efforts

Jeremy Dutcher, a renowned Indigenous musician, engaged with the Homalco Language Team this month during their retreat on Quadra Island. The meeting focused on language revitalization efforts and the importance of preserving Indigenous languages, particularly ʔayʔaǰuθəm, which is part of the Salishan language group.

Dutcher, a member of the Tobique First Nation, is notable for being the first artist to win both a Juno and two Polaris Prizes for his music. He has played a critical role in establishing Kehkimin, the first Wolastoqey language immersion school, which was founded by his mother, Lisa Perley-Dutcher. His musical inspiration draws from century-old recordings of his ancestors located in the archives of the Museum of Canadian History.

The Homalco Language Team, alongside representatives from the Klahoose Nation and School District 72, arranged the meeting through collaboration with the Quadra Concerts Board and Dutcher’s management team. Their discussions included a slide presentation on the historical significance of the Salish presence in the region, presented by Quadra historian Jeanette Taylor.

During the gathering, Luna Loiseau-Tremblay highlighted the social and medicinal importance of local plants.

“Watching the young language learners leaning in to listen to the history lesson lifted my heart as I recognize that their presence attests to the ongoing language revitalization efforts with these communities to teach and preserve ʔayʔaǰuθəm for future generations,”

expressed Jan Gladish, a trustee for School District 72.

The group then visited ƛaχaysəm (Rebecca Spit), where they learned about its historical context. Later, We Wai Kai Elder Bill Assu welcomed Dutcher to the United Church at Cape Mudge. Following the welcoming, Dutcher performed a one-hour set, accompanied by Naomi McCarroll-Butler and Stefan Schneider. Throughout the performance, the trio emphasized the significance of reclaiming and revitalizing Indigenous languages.

According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Canada is home to approximately 70 distinct Indigenous languages, categorized into 12 different language families. The ʔayʔaǰuθəm language is predominantly found in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in British Columbia and parts of the United States, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

In 2024, the Homalco Nation published Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories, a graphic novel inspired by recordings of stories from Homalco Elders. The purpose of the publication was to preserve traditional teachings and the ʔayʔaǰuθəm language while motivating local youth to engage with and learn their native language. During the retreat, Dutcher was presented with a copy of this significant graphic novel, further underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event and the ongoing commitment to cultural preservation.