The strong beats of many drums welcomed families into the Royal Canadian Branch of the Ponoka Legion hall on March 8.
The community drumming workshop, offered by Ponoka Parent Link Centre attracted approximately 70 people and featured a number of activities.
A large circle of children and their parents was formed with each having their own drum. The drums were all different sizes and were colourfully decorated. Kathy Armstrong, drum circle facilitator for Drumocracy, was pleased with the amount of participation, effort and skill that was demonstrated among the children.
“The children were excellent drummers and could really keep a beat,” she said. “Even the really young ones were really good. They’ve had nine months of intensive training listening to their mother’s heartbeat and they know how to keep up.”
The drumming workshop was a big success and the children were reluctant to give up the drums at the end.
“They loved it,” said Armstrong. “When the drums were being packed up, they still didn’t want to stop.”
After the workshop was over a Native dance graced the stage. The dance was introduced by informing the audience that in Native spirituality the drum is very sacred and must always be honoured. Each dance reflected the beat of the drum in the music and told a story.
The dancers were of all ages and wore traditional dress with many bright colours that were completed with feathers and fur.
The dances began with the grand entry where every dancer participated and captivated all those who attended.
The men of the group educated the crowd with a warrior dance that consisted of movements that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The women had their turn with a dance to honour all mothers and grandmothers followed by a women’s fancy dance that was graceful and light and mimicked the flight of butterflies.
Another one of the dances was a jingle dance for healing. This unique dance featured dancers with tin cone shaped pieces attached to their dress which when they moved created jingling noises.
Roland Littlepoplar enjoyed the afternoon and was pleased with the activities of the day.
“Anytime there is a gathering like this I really try to come to them,” he said. “I like seeing our beliefs and culture and our way of life. It’s nice to see.”
The event also had crafts for the children to do and the kids entertained themselves by making beaded necklaces. They also tried to make igloos out of marshmallows but not many were completed as kids kept eating their creations instead of building them.
A light lunch added to the culture of the day as bannock was served for everyone’s enjoyment.
Andrea Ramage, program coordinator for Parent Link, was pleased with the outcome of the day.
“It’s exciting, I love it,” she said. “I like being a part of the community and it’s nice to see everyone come together. The diversity and different ages was wonderful. No one really knew each other and here they were all in a circle paying attention, learning together and having fun. It was a wonderful afternoon.”