Over the past number of years, several young women (mostly Aboriginals) have gone missing on Highway 16, west of Prince George, BC.
The plight of their loved ones has gone largely unnoticed by the police and government officials. Most believe, as I do, that the indifference shown towards these young women is the result of racial prejudice. It is difficult to argue otherwise even if the bigotry lies somewhere beneath the surface. The lack of investigating by the RCMP has allowed one or more predators to operate unchallenged in this area, for years.
The Highway has since become known as "The Highway of Tears" in honour of these young women and I have chosen that name for this particular song.
"Highway of Tears" is the lonely cry of despair from one lost soul to those who love and miss her.
As a young man, I used to attend Mass on the reserve in Fort St. James. I remember how the women would sing "Immaculate Mary" and when they reached "Ave Maria" the words would come out so long and so slow and is one of the most haunting sounds, I have ever heard.
I have tried to echo that sound in this song as the young woman calls out to her family, at the end of each verse.
Please take the time to listen or simply, download it for later at http://www.myspace.com/folksingerjim
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About "Highway of Tears"
Over the past number of years, several young women (mostly Aboriginals) have gone missing on Highway 16, west of Prince George, BC.
The plight of their loved ones has gone largely unnoticed by the police and government officials. Most believe, as I do, that the indifference shown towards these young women is the result of racial prejudice. It is difficult to argue otherwise even if the bigotry lies somewhere beneath the surface. The lack of investigating by the RCMP has allowed one or more predators to operate unchallenged in this area, for years.
The Highway has since become known as "The Highway of Tears" in honour of these young women and I have chosen that name for this particular song.
"Highway of Tears" is the lonely cry of despair from one lost soul to those who love and miss her.
As a young man, I used to attend Mass on the reserve in Fort St. James. I remember how the women would sing "Immaculate Mary" and when they reached "Ave Maria" the words would come out so long and so slow and is one of the most haunting sounds, I have ever heard.
I have tried to echo that sound in this song as the young woman calls out to her family, at the end of each verse.
Please take the time to listen or simply, download it for later at http://www.myspace.com/folksingerjim
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