Drums have been used for thousands of years and by many cultures. The drum beat works as a conduit connecting the resonant sound of the human heartbeat and the rhythm of the heartbeat of Mother Earth. When the drum dries, we keep the heartbeat alive by beating the drum.
Our culture teaches that the more drums are played, the more harmony, connection and understanding we have of one mind, one body and one spirit.
The Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives presents a sacred drum workshop on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. with Tsawaysia Spukwus.
Registration fee is $130 with all materials pre-cut, treated and prepared for assembly. The workshop includes a complimentary drum beater and information on how to care for your drum.
Spukwus, whose English name is Alice Guss, is a Squamish Nation member and mother of three children. She will begin with a welcome song and talking circle, and as we pass the eagle feather around the circle, we share with each other who we are and where we come from.
She will lead you through the process of making your own sacred drum from start to finish while sharing songs and storytelling throughout the workshop. You will be truly amazed and empowered as you use your creativity to transform Mother Earth's gifts.
With more than 20 years working with First Nation communities as a director of education and 15 years delivering sacred drum making workshops, Spukwus is masterful at bringing innovative learning opportunities to all people through workshops, drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling.
She is an avid participant in healing Tribal Journeys and more recently co-produced a number of documentaries including Squamish Nation: Stories from the Heart, Tribal Journeys and Riding with the First Nation's Snowboard Team. During the 2010 Olympics she co-ordinated her family's sea-going canoe display, Pekultn, in honour of her father.
To register for the workshop, call 604-886-8232.
-Submitted
