For ARTist Response Team (ART), every day is Earth Day. That’s why Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) was proud to partner with ART, alongside Interchange Recycling, the City of Mission, and École Christine Morrison Elementary, for a powerful event celebrating music, ecology, and community stewardship, centred around the overarching theme of Earth Day.

Led by ART, the collaboration brought together students, educators, artists, and community stewards to inspire environmental care, recycling awareness, and Indigenous knowledge in a way that is joyful, inclusive, and lasting.

Music as a Pathway to Environmental Awareness

Over many years, ART has built a long-standing history of bringing communities together. Through music, they use creativity as a way to teach about ecology and Indigenous knowledge. For this reason, TSBC was inspired to support this initiative because of its strong focus on education and long-term impact. By reaching young students and educators, the message of stewardship extends into homes, families, and communities across the Lower Mainland.

Earth Day-Inspired Celebration in Mission

One of the highlights of this partnership was the Xa Xa Témexw Swáyel / Sacred Earth Day concert. Held on April 9 at the Clarke Theatre in Mission, the performance featured a choir of Grade 3 to 6 students from École Christine Morrison Elementary. In addition, they performed alongside members of Ey Stélmexw St’elt’ílem / Good Medicine Songs (GMS) and The Wilds Band. Songs were performed in both English and Halq’eméylem.

Throughout the event, the energy in the theatre was unmistakable. As the concert unfolded, students confidently stepped onto the stage to perform with professional musicians. Together, they created an atmosphere of shared creativity and pride that extended into the audience.

Gillian Edmonson, a teacher at École Christine Morrison, reflected on the impact of the event:

“The Earth Day concert was an absolute burst of energy—a truly lively celebration from start to finish. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd fully engaged the entire time, cheering, singing along, and feeding off the performers’ enthusiasm. What made the concert especially memorable was seeing students step onto the stage and perform alongside the band. That sense of shared creativity and courage added a beautiful layer of community spirit.

The event didn’t just entertain—it carried meaning. Throughout the concert, there was a strong sense of honouring the Earth and recognizing our responsibility to care for it. Equally powerful was the acknowledgment of the Stó:lō people, whose land, language, and traditions shaped the space we gathered in. That grounding presence gave the celebration depth and purpose, reminding everyone that music, culture, and stewardship are deeply connected.”

Related: Students to sing in English, Halq’eméylem at Mission concert

Songs with Purpose

Each song performed during the concert carried an inspiring message. One featured piece, “Urban Mining,” encouraged recycling everyday items, including old tires, to recover valuable materials, reduce waste, and protect the environment by viewing discarded materials as opportunities rather than garbage. Another song, “Step in the Right Direction,” reminded the audience that small, positive actions, when taken together, can create meaningful change.

The concert also included a playful and informative tire recycling jingle, highlighting how old tires can be responsibly recycled in BC instead of ending up in landfills or the natural environment.

Looking Ahead: Bringing the Celebration to Abbotsford

The partnership between TSBC and ART continues. Another Earth Day-inspired concert is scheduled for June 9, 2026, at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium in Abbotsford, BC. The event will feature student performers from Barrowtown, Ten-Broeck, and Dormick Park Elementary Schools, continuing to inspire young environmental stewards across the region.

By supporting educational initiatives that connect music, culture, recycling, and community action, we help empower young people and BC residents to understand their role in protecting the environment.

We are grateful to ART, participating schools, community partners, and educators who made this Earth Day-inspired celebration possible. Together, we are helping turn awareness into action and ensuring that caring for our land remains a collective priority for generations to come.