biographical info
Ta’Kaiya, 9, lives in North Vancouver and is from the Sliammon First
Nation. “Shallow Waters” is one of 4 songs co written by Ta’Kaiya and
her singing instructor/professional songwriter/pianist Aileen De La
Cruz. 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
coffeehouses in Vancouver and North Vancouver.
A Grade 4, homeschooled student, Ta'kaiya particularly enjoys studying about the
oceans and marine life. It was her idea to write a song about an oil
spill. When Ta’Kaiya and Aileen began writing “Shallow Waters,” it was
to raise awareness about a proposed 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.
Ta’Kaiya
also has played the lead role in several short films. She received two
Leo Award Nominations (2009 and 2010) for Best Female Performance in a
Short Drama for the films “Shi Shi Etko” and “Savage.” In both films,
she portrayed a little girl who went to residential school.
Ta’Kaiya enjoys
participating in her First Nations’ culture. She recently sang with the
Sliammon Nation during the Tribal Journeys 2010 in Neah Bay, Washington.
She is learning the songs and dances of the Sliammon Nation, in Powell
River, the Squamish Nation, and North Vancouver BC.
lineup
Anne Administrator