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) including 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 recorded their parts which were added to the final mix. Drumming/rattle group was led by District Indigenous Enhancement Teacher, Rick Joe,

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On November 29, 2024, everyone went to the beautiful Shxwhá:y Cultural Centre for the video shoot. Cameramen Linden Vanderpol and Nelson Bergen from Link Creative did the filming. Shane John facilitated protocol activities. It was the first time that everyone—the students, teachers, Good Medicine Songs, had all been together in one place. It was epic!