On September 19, the grand prize winner of Your Voice is Power was announced at Science World. Your Voice is Power is a national competition for students that teaches the fundamentals of computer science, entrepreneurship and social justice. For this competition, students exercised their creativity by remixing songs from select Indigenous artists to create a unique piece of their own. 

This year, students could remix works from six nationally recognized Indigenous artists, including Aysanabee, Dakota Bear, Duke Redbird, Jayli Wolf, Samian and Twin Flames. Students also took inspiration from the theme of social justice found in the original works. 

Adara, a Grade 8 Indigenous student from Vancouver Technical Secondary won the grade prize for her song, “Change.” The grand prize of $5,000 can be put toward either post-secondary education or starting a business. 

After accepting her award, Adara thanked her teacher from last year, Stephanie Hefti, and her family and friends for their love and support. 

She ended her acceptance speech by thanking one more very special person: herself. 

“Finally, I’d like to thank myself for being me and never giving up! For pushing through and honestly, for being my favourite person. Sorry mom!” She smiled. 

After an energetic applause from the audience, we asked Adara a few questions about her song, winning this year’s competition and what it means for her future plans. 

What does winning Your Voice is Power mean to you? 

Winning has given me a confidence boost. I’m usually shy, but winning made me feel happy and proud! It makes me feel like my music is good. 

Can you tell us about your song? What was the inspiration behind it? 

My song, “Change,” is about when people don’t fight against racism, discrimination and hardship. I wanted people to hear my song and have the motivation and courage to change that. 

You used coding to create the song, “Change.” Can you tell us about your experience learning how to do that? 

My teacher last year, Ms. Hefti, taught me how to code. If we had any technical difficulties, she helped. But it was pretty easy to learn, and coding is really fun! It’s kind of like when you have a password and at first you don’t remember it, and then over time you slowly start to remember, until eventually it’s as easy as your ABCs. The music was easier than I thought it would be to put together. 

Has music always been important to you? 

Yes! I play a lot of instruments. I used to play guitar. Now I play electric bass and piano. I’m also learning string bass. I write songs, too. I really enjoyed producing when I made “Change.” 

Is this something you’d like to do as a career in the future? 

Very much so. Music is one of my biggest passions. Producing, songwriting and playing instruments, I love it all. And the coding! 

Do you have a message for anyone who wants to try something new, maybe like Your Voice is Power, but feels nervous or shy?

 If you want to do it, do it! It might be scary at first, but don’t give up and keep trying. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! 

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Congratulations, Adara! We look forward to seeing where your passion for music and coding will take you in the future!