Jeremy Dutcher worked with improvisers to score this thriller

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, host Jill Deacon sits down with acclaimed Mi'kmaq artist Jeremy Dutcher to discuss his groundbreaking work scoring the film *At the Place of Ghosts* (Ski Day Ga Moujue Ga Dig), a haunting thriller exploring themes of family, two-spirit identity, and Mi'kmaq culture. Despite having no prior experience in film scoring, Dutcher was drawn to the project through his long-standing creative relationship with director Bretton Hannum, who had previously used Dutcher’s music in *Wildhood*. The conversation delves into the deep cultural significance of language, the importance of collaboration over solitary genius, and the responsibility of non-Mi'kmaq artists in representing Indigenous stories with care. Dutcher reflects on the emotional weight of mispronouncing words, framing it not as failure but as an act of love and intention. He also shares how his work with Indigenous communities in Canada and Japan has deepened his understanding of global indigeneity and the power of language as a living, evolving force. The episode highlights the intersection of art, identity, and healing, with Dutcher emphasizing that 'to get it wrong is to care.' He and Hannum’s film uses sound and narrative to create a space for Indigenous futurism, blending past, present, and future. The discussion also touches on the broader cultural context—how music and storytelling can be both nourishing and transformative, avoiding the 'porridge' of didacticism in favor of captivating, emotionally resonant art. The episode closes with a call to spotlight lesser-known Indigenous musicians, underscoring the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the cultural landscape.