Students learn more about drum-making, participate in Indigenous artwork

Students in an Indigenous Studies Class at Oromocto High School in New Brunswick recently learned how to create drums from drum keeper and singer Ann Paul. Paul helped students make traditional drums using deer hide and shared what it means to make a drum. “When you’re making it, you have to put your prayers and your energies into every lace you do because you’re going to be passing these on to people,” said Paul. The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (TBIFC) also recently hosted hand drum making workshops for youth and men. Participants made drums using moose or elk hides; they learned how to lace their drum, pull the lacing, and how to tie handles on the back. Students attending Creative Together or Skatne Ionkwate’nikonrattokáhtskon at the Lynwood Arts Centre in Simcoe made artwork during workshops with Indigenous artists. Students participated in workshops on loom bead work, mark-making, and more, and are showing this artwork in an exhibition alongside Indigenous artists.