Back to Showcase
Music

Oil of the North

A rock song paying tribute to the workers and the innovation behind Canada’s oil and fossil fuel industry.

About this work

With Oil of the North, I wanted to delve into the heart and soul of Canada’s oil and fossil fuel industry, aiming to capture not only the immense pride we hold in this sector but also its pivotal role in our nation’s economy and identity. This rock song is a tribute to the tireless workers and the innovative spirit that drive this industry.

I also wanted to remind listeners of the crucial balance between harnessing natural resources and pioneering technological advancements that lead to more efficient and environmentally considerate extraction and usage methods. This balance is what positions Canada as a leader in the global energy market.

The song conveys a message of hope and forward-thinking, celebrating how our natural resources can fuel the future — without forgetting the importance of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Sign up early
Keep scrolling

More from the showcase

More music first, then the rest of the showcase.

Locke’d by Elijah Dean

Locke’d

A cinematic musical piece on the oilfield’s human cost, Canada’s wild beauty, and a stewardship ethic drawn from John Locke.

Powering the Flag by Abigail McCorquodale

Powering the Flag

A dance concept video where seven dancers, each carrying a different energy source, weave together into the shape of the Canadian flag.

Polarized by Joseph Skinner

Polarized

A short film about two characters on opposite sides of the energy debate, and the middle ground between them.

Harmony by Abigail King

Harmony

An acrylic sunset landscape spanning Canada’s energy mix: pumpjacks, wind turbines, solar panels, and a hydro dam side by side.

Why Not? by Haili Jobin

Why Not?

A short film told entirely through a text-message thread, working up to a question about why someone can't visit.

Bottles Saved by Queensley Okorie

Bottles Saved

A vertical, TikTok-style short tallying the small daily habits, like a water-bottle refill counter, that add up to conservation.

Power by Abbie Burchell

Power

A poem likening a slowing heartbeat to fossil fuel's fading light, tracing Canada's energy story from oil sands to Ottawa's first hydro lantern.

Year 3 · Early signups open

Inspired? Make your own

Five full tuition scholarships valued at up to $100,000 each, awarded every year. Early signups are open and the contest opens at the end of November.

Create your account
5 Winners every year
15–25 Eligible ages
Feb 28 Submissions close 2027