For over 10 years, Centre Wellington District High School’s Indigenous Club and Exchange Program has been promoting indigenous culture, knowledge and appreciation throughout the Upper Grand District School Board.
As part of that important work, a unique workshop is happening in early February on the history, significance and making of traditional indigenous hand drums. The drums produced at the workshop will have a lasting presence in local schools.
The workshop is being held on Friday, Feb. 10, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at Centre Wellington High and is open to students, friends and family members. Phil Davis of Six Nations – Canada’s largest First Nation, located near Brantford — will lead the workshop.
Participants won’t just learn how to make a drum, but will gain insight into indigenous teachings about the role of the drum in the culture. The finished drums will be donated to the school and school board for use in future educational events and drum circles.
Jack Frimeth teaches at Centre Wellington High and leads the Indigenous Club and Exchange Program.
“I think it is particularly important for all students to learn about our indigenous cultures in order to understand them,” Frimeth said. “It’s imperative, because without this knowledge, there is no understanding. If there is no understanding, then there is no meaningful communication, and therefore connections are not possible.”
He said “building bridge” is the motto of the program. And the beat of the drum is a tool in the building process.
“The indigenous hand drum is an iconic symbol and important lifeline of all indigenous cultures,” Frimeth added. “It is common to cultures that have never interacted with each other. The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Its rhythm is melodic and summons people to gather, unite and listen to Mother Earth.”
For over a decade, the program has created opportunities for indigenous and non-indigenous students to learn about each other and about themselves, Frimeth said.
Its initiatives are in line with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, particularly those related to education for reconciliation, he added.
