Around 40 came together to learn how to create their own drum as part of a drum workshop held over Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10.
The Nakusp and District Museum Society hosted the workshop in Sinixt territory at the seniors hall, and local interested groups such as the circle of Aboriginal Woman and friends, the Aboriginal Traditional Parenting group, and Terra Pondera.
School District 10 also shared the venue, and made a large elk hide “Grandmother Drum” for community school functions funded through the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement.
Three local elders and two from Grand Forks, as well as two from the Castlegar area took part in the workshop, sharing the experience.
Friday night after opening ceremonies, the participants worked at cutting deer hides and pulling laceings for overnight soaking. Saturday was filled with ceremony, elders, songs, drumming, drum making and storytelling.
Everyone was well nourished in spirit thanks to the workshop, and in body, thanks to Deb Guest’s Catering.