My Country 'Tis of Thy People are Dying
Buffy Ste. Marie: My Country 'Tis of Thy People are Dying
Quiz by Sharon Michiko Yoneda
artist: Buffy Ste. Marie
songwriter: Buffy Ste. Marie
date released: 1966 by Buffy Ste. Marie
Although this song was recorded in 1966, it still resonates with relevance in modernity. Buffy Ste. Marie is now an elder past eighty years old; yet, she doesn't feel much different from when was 17 or 52--- “It’s all the same.” Depending on who is talking, conditions for Indigenous people have changed a lot after Canada's Truth and Reconciliation legislation; but the Indigenous people think they haven't changed enough.
This song is a history lesson that was written in the 60s before the general public knew about the atrocities committed against Aboriginal people. Their history was not taught comprehensively in Euro-Canadian schools. Now all that is about to change, and this song can assist with it. It's lengthy and like a dirge in its tone, but it's worthy for in-class discussions and group projects.
Buffy Ste. Marie is interviewed with The National
https://youtu.be/54xNOaLMkN4
A documentary on Buffy Ste. Marie
https://youtu.be/y1nNbR791goNormal text - Montserrat - normal style - 11