WELLINGTON COUNTY – A local Indigenous artist has just released her debut single.
From Brantford along the Grand River to the West coast of the country, it’s been a winding path to the release of the song White Pine for Layla Staats.
Staats, who is Mohawk, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River, defines herself as a water protector, filmmaker, and activist.
She says she has long been telling tales of Indigenous culture, and explains her upbringing shaped her song-writing process.
Staats defined music as medicine for her.
She explained the significance of the song spans beyond stepping outside of her comfort zone.
Staats mentioned her brother, who she’s done background vocals for, has been a key piece of her development into a musician who writes impactful tunes.
Staats noted she is just testing the water with this song, with more singles and a full album coming on its heels, aided by live performances in the region.
