Monday

Idle No More protest: Her name is Ta'Kaiya Blaney, she is 11 years old, she will steal your heart away

Ta’Kaiya, 11, lives in North Vancouver and is from the Sliammon First Nation. Ta’Kaiya is also known for singing “Amazing Grace” in the Sliammon language, translated by her grandfather.

Ta’Kaiya began working with Aileen since the age of 5 and has performed at large events in both BC and Washington State. She also sings and plays the violin at various coffee shops in Vancouver and North Vancouver. Ta’Kaiya has also recorded the songs “Carried Away,” “Watching Over Me,” and “Wonderful, Beautiful” in June 2011, and “Ajoomish Gloklas” (Amazing Grace) in spring 2012.

A homeschooled student entering Grade 6 this fall 2012, Ta’kaiya particularly enjoys studying about the oceans and marine life. When Ta’Kaiya was in Grade 3, she studied about otters and learned the greatest cause of death to otters was from oil spills.

She then read about the Northern Gateway Pipeline and had the idea to write a song about a future where an oil spill happens. When Ta’Kaiya and Aileen began writing “Shallow Waters,” it was to raise awareness about the proposed Northern Gateway oil pipeline planned between the Alberta Tar Sands and Kitimat, BC. By the time the song was almost finished, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico suddenly happened.

The message from the song “Shallow Waters” is urgent because an oil spill in the northwest coast could tragically end the traditional way of life for many coastal First Nations. It would also devastate all marine and coastal life and habitat.

She was chosen as one of 20 “We Canada” Champions (earthsummit.ca) an organization created to put pressure on Canada to show leadership at the UN Earth Summit 2012 in Rio De Janiero. This Earth Summi’st purpose was to review and set goals for s future that is sustainable and promotes social justice. See her “We Canada” statement on her blog. (Source)


VIDEO Idle No More Courtenay BC

Responses to "Ta'Kaiya Blaney speaks at Idle No More protest on Dec. 29th (Video)"

  1. Unknown says:

    Well spoken. Surprisingly informed for one so young, but that just further proves how important this movement has become. It is not just the elders and the adults who are standing up for their rights anymore. The young are definitely making their voices heard as well. Good job Ta'Kaiya! Very proud Native here!

  2. Anonymous says:

    This is what it's all about the next generation. Such an intelligent young lady

  3. Anonymous says:

    She is a Idiglo child she is the future Aho

  4. Anonymous says:

    Very Well Said Ta'Kaiya! May your voice be heard! I pray that more people hear you and stand up with you!

  5. Beautiful ~ Clear Powerful Girl ~ She is a Blessing to us all

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