Chilliwack Students Join Forces with Indigenous Artists for a Heartfelt Bilingual Music Video

A group of students in Chilliwack has teamed up with Indigenous artists for a powerful music project aimed at promoting environmental care and reconciliation. Their song and music video, “Step in the Right Direction,” debuted on May 22, and showcases the voices of young people coming together to speak about climate action.

This bilingual piece, featuring both English and Halq’eméylem, combines traditional Indigenous music with modern elements, including a brass band, electric guitar, and drums. It emphasizes youth leadership and the importance of taking collective action for the planet.

At the start of the video, Kevin Wright highlighted simple yet impactful actions: “Did you know that oil can be reused over and over again? All tires collected in B.C. are recycled here? Small changes can lead to big differences when lots of people join in.”

Created under the guidance of Elders Dr. Siyamiyateliyot and Siyamequot Viv Williams, the project involved students from Chilliwack, Sardis, and G.W. Graham secondary schools. Filming took place at the Shxwhá:y Cultural Centre and was launched during the Chilliwack Indigenous Awards, hosted by the school district.

Holly Arntzen, one of the project creators, mentioned the weight of today’s challenges. “The climate crisis, drug deaths, and homelessness can feel overwhelming. But small steps—like learning Indigenous languages and recycling—can help us find purpose and community.”

Bob Tarr, the band director at Chilliwack Secondary School, noted how important this project was for students and their families. “We often struggle to incorporate Indigenous content into our lessons. This was a unique chance for collaboration.”

Co-founder of Good Medicine Songs, Jonny Williams, emphasized how students are not only learning the Halq’eméylem language but also fostering a deeper connection with nature. “Language carries our teachings. Through these songs, they’re becoming stewards of culture and the environment,” he explained.

Brenda Point, principal of Indigenous education with the school district, praised the project’s blend of culture and community. “It’s a meaningful step in our journey of reconciliation,” she said.

According to a recent survey by the Environmental Protection Agency, over 70% of young people feel a strong personal responsibility for climate change. This reinforces the message of “Step in the Right Direction”: collective action can make a big impact.

As awareness grows around the importance of environmental stewardship, projects like this inspire hope. They show that when communities unite, change is possible.

This effort received support from Tire Stewardship BC and Interchange Recycling, showcasing a collaborative approach to addressing climate issues.

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