The Cultural Engagement Project Aims
In the Indigenous culture, music is not only a way to express oneself creatively, music in the Indigenous culture is integral to the well-being and health of the Indigenous people. Drumming in Indigenous culture has healing benefits, all of which supports the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the self. Drumming and sharing circles connects the people to “concepts such as resilience, self-determination, and holistic understandings of wellness” (Mental Health Strategy, 2015), which are pertinent to Indigenous culture. This project will aim to consider ways in which drumming circles may be incorporated into an educational setting so as to benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by addressing students' well-being, mental health and creativity and connecting students to Indigenous culture, spirituality, way of life, ways of being, and Indigenous perspectives.
Overview of drumming and sharing circles in Indigenous culture
The drum and sharing circle encompass all of life. Anyone and everyone is able to participate in drumming and sharing circles. Drumming and sharing circles are both an Indigenous approach to healing. These circles provide not only healing, however, a space that is open, accepting, inclusive, welcoming and safe. Both of these practices are practiced throughout all of Canada and can be found in hospitals and Native Friendship Centers and in post-secondary institutions. Drumming and sharing circles are spiritual, physical, emotional and mental and are heavily rooted in Indigenous culture. It is because of the culture’s oral history and that these practices were done in secret, that they survived to this day.
This project will aim to consider ways in which drumming circles may be incorporated into an educational setting so as to benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by addressing students' well-being, mental health and creativity and connecting students to Indigenous culture, spirituality, way of life, ways of being, and Indigenous perspectives.
After interviewing a Traditional Resource Person, and Elder at a northern Ontario university, a Social and Addictions Worker and Facilitator for a Women’s Drumming Circle, at a northern Ontario Friendship Centre; another Traditional Resource Person and a Facilitator for a Men’s Drumming Circle, at a northern Ontario university and lastly, a Medicine Lodge Keeper in the Supportive Care Program at a northern hospital and a Helper in traditional ceremonies, I have come to realize that integrating or incorporating Indigenous music into an educational setting is more complex than I initially perceived.
From these interviews I learned that it’s important to learn, experience and participate in culture, to really gain knowledge, awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and spirituality. I learned that there is a major lack of trust among Indigenous people due to the westernization and commercialization today of Indigenous language, culture and traditions. There are many differentiating views of Indigenous language, culture and traditions and how they should be taught in schools, or incorporated into curriculum, or simply enriched as an extra-curricular activity. There is a major lack of knowledge and awareness of the Indigenous culture, traditions, ways of knowing and of doing in western educational systems today still. In addition, healing does occur in drumming and sharing circles, the circles are emotional, they allow for letting go of negative energies, and tensions, they allow for people to live in the moment and be present, and they provide waves of energy and positive vibrations.
Finally, drumming and sharing circles are a place of kindness, welcome, safety and respect. Further conversation and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, Song Keepers, Helpers, Drum Keepers, and Indigenous students, needs to happen. Due to years of colonization, assimilation, segregation, and cultural genocide, it will take seven generations or more for reconciliation to occur.
This project will aim to consider ways in which drumming circles may be incorporated into an educational setting so as to benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by addressing students' well-being, mental health and creativity and connecting students to Indigenous culture, spirituality, way of life, ways of being, and Indigenous perspectives.
After interviewing a Traditional Resource Person, and Elder at a northern Ontario university, a Social and Addictions Worker and Facilitator for a Women’s Drumming Circle, at a northern Ontario Friendship Centre; another Traditional Resource Person and a Facilitator for a Men’s Drumming Circle, at a northern Ontario university and lastly, a Medicine Lodge Keeper in the Supportive Care Program at a northern hospital and a Helper in traditional ceremonies, I have come to realize that integrating or incorporating Indigenous music into an educational setting is more complex than I initially perceived.
From these interviews I learned that it’s important to learn, experience and participate in culture, to really gain knowledge, awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and spirituality. I learned that there is a major lack of trust among Indigenous people due to the westernization and commercialization today of Indigenous language, culture and traditions. There are many differentiating views of Indigenous language, culture and traditions and how they should be taught in schools, or incorporated into curriculum, or simply enriched as an extra-curricular activity. There is a major lack of knowledge and awareness of the Indigenous culture, traditions, ways of knowing and of doing in western educational systems today still. In addition, healing does occur in drumming and sharing circles, the circles are emotional, they allow for letting go of negative energies, and tensions, they allow for people to live in the moment and be present, and they provide waves of energy and positive vibrations.
Finally, drumming and sharing circles are a place of kindness, welcome, safety and respect. Further conversation and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, Song Keepers, Helpers, Drum Keepers, and Indigenous students, needs to happen. Due to years of colonization, assimilation, segregation, and cultural genocide, it will take seven generations or more for reconciliation to occur.