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