Summary of July 25-26, 2023 Workshop: Drum-Making Workshop for Indigenous Youth and Men

At the end of July, 2023, a group of Indigenous men gathered on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation to learn the traditional craft of drum-making. A large buffalo hide was used to cut circles that were then attached to drum frames made of wood.  

Renowned singer, drummer and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Simon Paul, led  the workshop and the men worked hard learning cutting, stretching the hide, preparing the frame and stitching with sinew. Delicious homemade hot lunches were served and new friendships formed. Members of the Sober Crew were in attendance, sharing their important messages about sobriety and following a spiritual path.

Funding was provided by the United Church of Canada Healing Fund. Further  support was from McDougall United Church and the Urban Indigenous Circle The  workshop was a success and our plans are to continue hosting Indigenous healing  and learning workshops in the future.  

Participant feedback:

Did you enjoy this workshop? What did you like about it?

Definitely hands down I enjoyed myself. I enjoyed listening to the host sharing oral history.

Would you like to take other Indigenous craft workshops in the future?

I will definitely come again.

Do you have any feedback to make the workshop better?

Overall I’m pleased with the workshop and I am forever grateful for the teachings.

Thank you to the volunteers and workers who made the workshop a success: Teresa Snow, Simon Paul, Rev. Tony Snow, Robbie Daniels, Sam Bighetty, Mika  Snow, Rachel Snow, Alvin Kennedy, Kim Cuthill and Shauna Kennedy.  

Respectfully submitted by Shauna Kennedy. August 8, 2023

To learn more about the Right Relations activities happening at McDougall, please visit the Right Relations webpage.