Drum Making

Karen Savage taught a group of six Gimaajii youth how to make a hand drum. Virgil Sohm did a ceremony first and talked for the drums, tobacco and feast food. Then he talked about the cultural significance of the drums and told the youth how to take care of the drum. Then he sang a song. He also taught the class some Ojibwe words associated with the drum and the feast food. Wendy Savage was there and helped the youth with their drums and drum sticks. This was a great cultural and educational session and the youth were patient and happy during the whole session. A few weeks ago, AICHO staff presented tobacco to a Fond du Lac elder in regards to hosting a session such as this and that elder got back to us and approved it, and told us how we should conduct the session with a ceremony first.

Photos by Ivy Vainio.