Nearly a dozen individuals will be getting hands on experience with a traditional craft next week.
Grand Council of Treaty #3 will be holding a drum making workshop at the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre (FFPLTC) on February 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., led by Teddy Copenace.
While the available spots for the workshop have been filled, event organizer Ryler Kaysaywaysemat, an Indian Residential School Board Worker with Grand Council Treaty #3, said the event will be a great opportunity for those involved to get direct hands on experience in the craft of drummaking while also learning more about Anishinaabe culture.
“Basically, what I just try to do is put on events, ceremonies, and just get the people within the area to come learn about the culture,” Kaysaywaysemat said.
“I’m new to the organisation. So I wanted to start small. It’s something that everyone could do. Everyone could have a hand drum and sing. There’s not too much cultural protocol to be had, just come in and work, learn about it and find those teachings.”
To make the hand drums, Kaysaywaysemat secured some premade cedar rims, elk hide, and sinew.
“We got our materials from Bill Worb Furs in Winnipeg,” Kaysaywaysemat said.
“We’ll drill holes through the rim, and then we will attach the elk hide to the rim with sinew. You soak the hide before you start making it, so it’s flexible. Then as you’re tightening the sinew, they’ll dry and it’ll harden and create that sound you want.”
While the hand drums will be made out of traditional materials, the drum stick or mallet will be made out of carbon fiber poles.
“We’ll cut them down to size and use some cotton to create the striking end,” said Kaysaywaysemat.
“They last long, too, and they’re very hard to break.”
The workshop’s facilitator is Teddy Copenace, a local Knowledge Keeper who does a lot of hand drum making in northwestern Ontario.
“He’s knowledgeable about culture, songs, and the drums. He just passes on teachings of what he knows,” said Kaysaywaysemat.
“He sings with the drum group, too.”
For more information or to register for the event, call 807-271-5448 or email ryler.kaysaywaysemat@treaty3.ca.
