Following a sold-out tour across Asia with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, acclaimed Wolastoqiyik tenor, composer, ethnomusicologist, and activist Jeremy Dutcher releases “Ribbons (Wolastoqey Version),” a collaboration with singer-songwriter Basia Bulat. The song is featured in season 2 of the acclaimed television series North of North. While the recording featured in the show is in both English and Wolastoqey, today Jeremy Dutcher is releasing the entirely Wolastoqey version. The series, which originally aired on CBC, CBC Gem, and APTN+, is now available worldwide on Netflix.
On the inspiration behind ‘Ribbons (Wolastoqey Version)’, Jeremy Dutcher shares:
“I’m so excited to announce the release of ‘Ribbons (Wolastoqey Version)’! It is another collaboration with my friend and songwriting partner Basia Bulat, exploring the relationship between mother and child as hair and dreams for the future are woven together — this simple daily act braids kinship strongly and connects us through generations. I’m so grateful to her for sharing it with me.
The lyrics were translated into wəlastəkwey latowewakən, one of the many endangered Indigenous languages in Canada, by my aunt Roseanne Tremblay-Clark and Robert Leavitt. Her advocacy for its protection is a constant light and inspiration. We’re so proud to have this song featured in the second season of North of North, streaming now on Netflix.”
The release of ‘Ribbons (Wolastoqey Version)’ comes amid a busy period for Dutcher, who recently released Live in Japan, a new EP capturing his performance at Club 100ban in Kobe alongside collaborators Thom Gill and Stef Schneider. The EP follows a series of sold-out performances alongside legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in Japan and Taiwan.
Following his time in Asia, Dutcher is headed to France for a November headline tour, and will return in January and February of 2027 for a new series of performances across the country. The upcoming dates will offer French audiences another opportunity to experience his singular blend of contemporary composition, ancestral traditions, and Wolastoqey language. Further details and tickets for the France Tour here.
Stream / download ‘Ribbons (Wolastoqey Version)’ here.
