Sacred Drum Workshop

Making your own sacred drum begins a journey - as you have recreated the sacred musical instrument of ‘Spirit’

Xwalacktun

Internationally Acclaimed Native artist & carver

www.xwalacktun.ca

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 us that the more drums are played, the more harmony, connection, and understanding we have of one mind, one body, and one spirit.

Join us in a sacred circle where all are treated equal. Tsawaysia begins 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. Tsawaysia 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. In our workshops, we honour the deer and the cedar tree. The beating of the drum keeps their spirits alive.

Saturday, February 26th, 2011
1pm to 3pm with Tsawaysia Spukwus

at the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives
716 Winn Rd., Gibsons, BC

TO REGISTER, CONTACT THE MUSEUM AT 604-886-8232

Registration fee is $130.

All materials are pre-cut, treated, & prepared for assembly. Workshop includes a complimentary drum beater and information on how to care for your drum.

Workshop Outline: Sacred Circle, Welcoming Song, Passing of the Eagle Feather, Materials & Instructions, Songs and Storytelling, Talking Circle, Passing the Eagle Feather, Closing Ceremony.

Tsawaysia Spukwus, whose English name is Alice Guss, is a Squamish Nation member, and mother of three children. Her father, Pekultn was a Hereditary Chief from the Seymour Creek area of the lower mainland of British Columbia. Her family is strong, committed and active in the preservation of their culture and heritage. Tsawaysia’s mother is a Squamish Nation Elder who has nurtured and guided her family of seven children to participate in all aspects of First Nations culture, language, community, governance, education, traditional art forms, healing, recreation, singing, drumming, dancing and storytelling. With over 20 years working with First Nation communities as a Director of Education and 15 years delivering Sacred Drum Making workshops, Tsawaysia 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 coordinated her family’s sea going canoe display, Pekultn, in honour of her father.