TEDxSFU Ta'Kaiya Blaney

Summary

In this inspiring speech, 10-year-old Takaya, a member of the Slimon Nation, passionately advocates for environmental protection and the preservation of Indigenous culture. As a singer-songwriter and activist, she shares her concerns about oil pipelines threatening pristine wilderness and First Nations territories. Through her songs, 'Shallow Waters' and 'Earth Revolution,' Takaya calls for immediate action against pollution and unsustainable industries, urging her generation to unite and stand up for the Earth. With a heartfelt message of hope and responsibility, she emphasizes the need for collective efforts to secure a brighter future for both the planet and future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Takaya is a 10-year-old Canadian First Nations singer-songwriter and environmentalist advocating for the protection of the Earth.
• 🌊 She expresses her connection to the ocean and highlights the detrimental effects of pollution on marine life, specifically mentioning otters.
• 🌍 Takaya is involved with We Canada, an organization that encourages citizens to influence their leaders on environmental issues.
• 🛢️ She opposes the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal, which threatens Indigenous lands and cultures, and could lead to environmental disasters.
• 🎶 Takaya wrote the song "Shallow Waters" to raise awareness about the potential consequences of an oil spill.
• 🚨 She emphasizes the urgent need to address the consumption of oil and its destructive impact on natural resources.
• 🌳 Takaya reflects on her cultural heritage and the importance of protecting Indigenous traditions and the environment for future generations.
• ✊ The song "Earth Revolution" calls for immediate action to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainability.
• 🗣️ Takaya encourages others to participate in peaceful protests and support environmental organizations to make their voices heard.
• 💚 She stresses the collective responsibility of all generations to take action and restore the planet for a sustainable future.

Q & A

What is Takaya's age and where does she live?

Takaya is 10 years old and lives in North Vancouver, BC.

Which Indigenous nation is Takaya affiliated with?

Takaya is from the Slimon Nation.

What roles does Takaya identify with?

She identifies as a singer, songwriter, actress, and environmentalist.

What environmental organization does Takaya support?

Takaya is a champion for We Canada, an organization focused on environmental advocacy.

What is the central theme of Takaya's song 'Shallow Waters'?

The song 'Shallow Waters' addresses the potential impact of an oil spill if the Northern Gateway Pipeline is approved.

How does Takaya view the relationship between oil consumption and environmental degradation?

She believes that our generation is overly dependent on oil, which contributes to the destruction of vital resources like air, water, and land.

What did Takaya learn from her trip to Indonesia?

Her trip opened her eyes to the shared passion of other children for environmental issues.

What are the main concerns Takaya expresses about the proposed pipeline?

She is concerned that it threatens pristine wilderness and First Nations culture, jeopardizing their lands and traditions.

What message does Takaya convey through her song 'Earth Revolution'?

The song conveys a message of urgency for environmental change and emphasizes the responsibility of the current generation to protect the Earth for future generations.

What call to action does Takaya make to her audience?

She encourages everyone, especially children, to join peaceful protests, support environmental organizations, and use their voices to advocate for change.