HUNDREDS of people held traditional drumming workshops this week. They followed Drumming in the Delightful Land: Open Dialogue for Diverse Canadians, which is the latest in a series of walking discussions about indigenous culture, art and learning at sites throughout British Columbia.
“It’s been so beautiful to see everyone come out to be able to share their stories, their childhood memories,” said Suzanna Franz, a nurse practitioner who co-authored the workshop with Louise Chow of the University of Victoria. “All of our stories are so meaningful. We have a really rich history, and it’s sharing that history.”
Ms. Franz and Ms. Chow, who is a member of the Wawanesa tribe of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, said First Nations people have long used ceremonial drumming and dancing to connect with their ancestors.
“For us, it’s a way to have a powerful conversation,” Ms. Chow said.
But communities across Canada have struggled to understand and implement similar approaches for those who are not indigenous, Ms. Chow said. Such youth workshops, which require action and a commitment, are difficult to organize and sustain.