By Bryan Eneas

Drumming carries on tradition for one J.S.C.N group

Jul 10, 2016 | 12:10 PM

Traditional powwow, being less about competition and more about community, is a good place for new drum groups to hone their skills and learn how to become one voice according to one passionate band.

“It’s our way of living, as aboriginal (people). Our fathers showed us how to drum. We followed in their footsteps and carried on their blessings. Our culture is sacred to me. I love it,” Cody Twist said, a member of the drum team Good Footprint.

Good Footprint, from James Smith Cree Nation, is one of 17 different drum groups participating in the James Smith Traditional powwow this Sunday, July 10. Made up of locals and family members, the group was formed about three months ago according to Ty Twist, one of the drummers.

“We’re just doing traditional powwows for now, we’re still a young group,” Ty said, “We’ve got plans, and we’re making a trail.”

Family plays a large role in drumming powwow. Lloyd Cheeckinew, group member, started singing powwow at the age of three, and learned how to sing from his grandfather and his uncle.

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Cody said he was inspired by watching Daniel Stonestan preform at Bernard Constant Community School. He said he also watched his father drum from a young age.

Jorant Twist, another member of the group, learned to drum by listening to his father and his older brother drum from the age of 14.

“For me, drumming is connecting with Mother Earth, it’s about passing on our traditions and culture to the younger generation, and the generations to come,” Jorant said.

Each drummer learns songs by listening to other drum groups preform at powwows, and drumming means something different to every member.

“Drumming, and powwow, it’s about keeping away from the drugs and the alcohol. It’s always gonna be around, but we’re working on that through powwow and round dances,” Cody said.

Cheeckinaw said he enjoys seeing how it makes people feel.

“Drumming for me, it’s about making people dance, it means making people feel good, and enjoy the powwow, all the songs, the beat, and the dancing,” he said.

“Drumming and powwow means a lot to me,” Jorant said, adding, “it keeps the culture going, it keeps the youth away from the streets, and away from the drugs and alcohol. It connects us with each other in our community.”

One common thread for the three young drummers is a desire to pass on what they do when the time comes. All three say they hope to keep drumming alive in their community.

Being part of the powwow trail, the group chooses their own powwow trail. While they don’t know where their next stop will be, they plan on sticking to traditional powwows for the time being, and then they will consider the competition powwow trail according to Ty. 

bryan.eneas@panow.com

On twitter: @bryaneneas