The “Step in the Right Direction” Song & Video project is the result of a partnership between the Artist Response Team, Ey Stélmexw St’elt’ílém/Good Medicine Songs, Tire Stewardship BC, Interchange Recycling and SD 33 (Chilliwack). We were encouraged by the success of the “Listen to the Stream/Xwelelam te Stó:telō" project with Imagine High Integrated Arts & Technology Secondary in 2023, where students embraced the Stó:lō teachings, singing in Halq’eméylem, and ecological issues. 

 

We face challenges in our lives and in our communities. The climate crisis, toxic drug deaths, homelessness, prejudice, the decline of the wild and biodiversity—these can feel overwhelming and beyond our power to change. Yet each of us take steps every day. Where do our actions take us? What direction are we facing when we take those steps? When many of us take the same small action it can add up to a huge difference. Small actions such as recycling tires and used oil and antifreeze help to reduce our ecological footprint and carbon emissions. They are steps in the right direction. Singing in Halq’eméylem together is a step on the path of reconciliation. 

 

 “Step in the Right Direction” was written by Holly Arntzen, Xótxwes Jonny Williams and Kevin Wright. Our beloved Elders, Dr. Siyamiyateliyot and Siyamequot Viv Williams corrected and revised the Halq’eméylem phrases. Singer Speplól Tanya Zilinski joined Holly, Jonny and Kevin. The bed tracks were recorded at Studio Downe Under (Soren Lonnqvist) by professional musicians Tom Arntzen (piano), Nathen Aswell (bass) and Tim Porter (guitar.) Band and choir arrangements were created by Bob Tarr and Jens Nissen at Chilliwack Secondary.

 

In fall 2024, choir, band and drumming students from Chilliwack Secondary, Sardis Secondary and GW Graham Secondary Schools will record their parts which we will add to the final mix. Drumming group will be lead by District Indigenous Enhancement Teacher, Rick Joe,

 

A music video will be produced and there will be a public performance of the song later next Spring.

More to come. Watch this space!