Ta’Kaiya Blaney is from the Sliammon First Nation and is 12 years old. She feels that as humans, as participants and beings that walk upon this Earth, it is our responsibility to help the Earth. We all need to take steps toward a clean and healthy future regarding animals, humans, plants and the various ecosystems. Our Earth is our home. Over the past four years, she has been an advocate for providing better qualities of living in Indigenous First Nations territories, and ending the oppression, racism and corruption Indigenous peoples face from government and within their community. Ta'Kaiya has spoken at UN meetings across the globe, including The TUNZA UN children and youth conference on the environment in Bandung Indonesia, and the Rio+20 UN conference on the environment in Rio de Janiero.

"I advocate to change not only the human condition, but also the condition of our planet. In my culture, it’s a fact and an understanding of life, that everything is connected, and we were put on this Earth to be stewards and caretakers of the environment. In my culture, it’s a teaching to do more than connect the dots, to see the picture as a whole. I feel that advocating, and speaking at mere conferences isn’t enough. Actions speak louder than words. I’m inspired by the work you are doing, and the message of protection and change that you are broadcasting to the many generations. I would like to do the same. Emot (Thank you)." Shallow Waters, recorded in July, 2010, is one of five 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 five. She began singing at pow-wows and cultural events in both BC and Washington State at the age of six. Ta’Kaiya has also recorded the songs, Carried Away, Watching Over Me and Wonderful, Beautiful in June 2011, and Ajoomish Gloklas (Amazing Grace) in spring, 2012.