On Jan. 2, the Ehattesaht Chinehkint Nation hosted a healing workshop that focused on drum-making, singing, and on bringing families together who have been actively learning language and culture. There were 27 drums made over the three days.
Nation members had asked for the cultural revitalization in the budget meeting in an effort to pull together to become stronger and bring healing to the community. Members from home and away from home were treated to three days of activities. There were newborns, children, teens, parents, elders, and traditional leaders who attended.
The group assembled elk hide drums, and made drum sticks while telling stories, laughing, and joking around. The lead drum maker was Jorge Lewis of the Snuneymuxw Nation. He has been making drums for 15 years.
“Jorge told us that the rim is cedar from a tree that sacrificed its life to be used and the elk also sacrificed its life and we use it and it’s still making noise, just like our heart. We need to treat (the drum) like it's still living,” said participant Jessie Mack who took part with her children and grandchildren. “I found that interesting.”
Throughout the weekend, song leader and teacher Tim Sutherland from Ahousaht Nation taught songs, and encouraged new singers and drummers.
Ha’wilth Ahneetsnaas (Tom Curley) encouraged the women to sing too. He recalled a time when the women carried the harmony during ceremonies. He encouraged the women to “sing and be proud.”
He also encouraged the young parents who have started their healing journeys to keep going, and not to look back. He encouraged everyone to keep coming to the practices.
There was a strong sense of pride in “taking back our culture.” A group of participants expressed the feelings that “we are actively regaining our confidence and reclaiming our identities,” and “we are overcoming our addictions and celebrating our efforts to live in a drug and alcohol free way.”
There was a feeling of getting to know each other again too.
