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This week\\u2019s Song of the Day picks, as chosen by DJ Miss Ashley, coincide with Indigenous Peoples\\u2019 Day. While Indigenous Peoples\\u2019 Day is recognized on October 9, KEXP will be paying tribute to Indigenous artists throughout the whole week here and throughout the rest of our podcasts and programming. Learn more about our Indigenous Peoples\\u2019 Day coverage.\\xa0

Warning: This write-up touches on topics of suicide.\\xa0

In 2019, Statistics Canada delivered an alarming report about the Indigenous suicide rate crisis \\u2013 finding that Indigenous people in Canada are three times more likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous Canadians. This troubling data reflects the harrowing experience and conditions not just in Canada, but for Indigenous people across the globe.\\xa0

Jeremy Dutcher commemorates this experience in his heart-wrenching song \\u201cAncestors Too Young.\\u201d The enigmatic songwriter is known for their dazzling blend of their classical training and pop songwriting. Dutcher, who is from the Tobique First Nation, will often sing in Wolastoqey. But on this song, Dutcher sings in English. Against a beautiful backdrop of piano, organ, strings, and smattering drums, Dutcher\\u2019s voice pleads and aches. Less of a sentimental song and more of a dire asking \\u2013 why? Why does this have to be this way? On the chorus Dutcher soars with the refrain \\u201cAncestors too young, where do they go?\\u201d\\xa0

Dutcher\\u2019s powerful plea is a needed revelation for the masses. As he says in the song, this epidemic is not something that should be ignored until more pass away. There is urgency in Dutcher\\u2019s voice, just as their should be urgency in all of us to wake up and make change and reconcile the perpetuated conditions that have led to this tragic moment in history. - Dusty Henry

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