Ngystle society in Skidegate have just finished three drum-making workshops in partnership with the Skidegate Youth Centre. Lydia Robichaud was the Cultural Facilitator and Clayton Gladstone Jr. was the Artist Facilitator.
Each workshop was successful with a lot of fun and laughter.
The energy of spirit and connection was amazing. The Lyell Island song was sung with great pride. The Monitoring and Evaluation portion of Skidegate’s Comprehensive Community Plan suggests that the number of drums in a community is a great measurable indicator supporting the cultural health of a community.
This project created 28 more drums on Haida Gwaii. We were pleased to have the support of parents or family who came with the younger children to be a part of the group. Haaw’a to parents and family and to Elders Betty Richardson, Gary Russ, and Freddie Russ for volunteering their time with their presence of interest, support, and storytelling. We greatly appreciate the funding for one drum making workshop by New Horizons of B.C. Seniors and the funding for the other two by Gwaii Trust.