Drum and Song:

 

Our Elders have taught us that the drum has a spirit. We believe that the drum is alive and resounds as far as the center of the earth to the furthest star in reverberating circles that bring healing to the people. The drum is a gift from the Creator through a vision of a people from a long time ago. The songs are the prayers we sing in honour and thanksgiving. The life of the deer and the tree are needed to give life to the drum. We offer tobacco and prayers of thanks. In ceremony, we feed the drum as drum keepers to nurture its spirit. We give it tobacco to give thanks for that spirit which helps us and gives us healing. The drum reaches all those in the circle and beyond. Sound is sacred. It is all powerful.

The drum is always with us in ceremony. In our circle of ceremony, first at the center is the drum. It represents the heart beat of the land and the heart of the people. Surrounding the drum are the singers. Their voice encircles the drum and the people. Next are the dancers. They encircle the drummers. And then there is the people - the Elders and the community who come in support of their family who dance and sing. The drum, the dance and the song are all part of ceremony. The drum reaches everyone and feeds the spirit. When the ceremony has ended, the spirit is renewed. This is what the Old Ones say.

We respect the teachings of the old ones. We see the drum as our relative. It is the drum that will help us find our way home.

Drum songs - Singer - Ross Paskemin

Eagle Song

Traditional Song

Singer - Joseph Naytowhow

We Are All One People

Singer - Simon Kytwayhat

Unknown Name

Unknown Name

 

Singers - Joseph Naytowhow & Simon Kytwayhat

Morning Song

 

Singers - Delvin Kennedy & Joe Duquette Singers