Ta’Kaiya Blaney



Ta'Kaiya Blaney

Twelve-year-old singer/songwriter Ta’Kaiya Blaney lives in North Vancouver and is from the Sliammon First Nation. “Shallow Waters”, recorded in July 2010, is one of 5 songs co-written by Ta’Kaiya and her singing instructor, professional songwriter and pianist Aileen De La Cruz. The grade seven student particularly likes studying about the oceans and marine life.

Ta’Kaiya is also known for singing “Amazing Grace” in the Sliammon language, translated by her grandfather. 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.

Ta’Kaiya was chosen as one of 20 “We Canada” Champions (earthsummit.ca), an organization that put pressure on Canada to show leadership at the UN Earth Summit 2012 in Rio De Janiero.

 

 

Talks

Ta'Kaiya Blaney on the importance of culture

Ta’Kaiya Blaney, age 11, sings Oh Canada, a stunning version of Amazing Grace in the Sliammon...