Some current events led me to a favourite song that whispers into the ear of my spectacular home region.
One: some hands have been wrung about the Family Y in P.G. accepting a cash donation from the Enbridge corporation for a community event. Two: the Tahltan people have once again drawn a line in their territorial sand over a proposed mega-project.
My mind flew to Rachelle Van Zanten's ode to northern B.C. Her song My Country could be painted over most of Canada but its root was the Tahltan's successful stand against a petroleum company. It was also inspired by the gorgeous lake - Francois - that she looks over daily from her family farm's log cabin.
Van Zanten is a lifelong resident of the north, currently and proudly living in Lheidli territory, and I enjoy her lines like watching an Omineca sunrise. The song kicks no particular shins but does call out industry to get in step with indigenous interests. It speaks assertively, respectfully, poetically. It also step-dances on the E and B strings of her acoustic guitar while cardial drums throb in the background. It has a folk heart with country and rock bloodlines.
There's also a music video shot on location in the Sacred Headwaters.
