In the spring, Marlene Brajak, a Cree-Métis woman and resident of Revelstoke, BC, led a traditional Indigenous drum-making workshop, followed by a group drum lesson. Funding from the Neighbourhood Small Grant helped cover materials as well as Marlene’s time and knowledge.
The workshop introduced participants to the cultural significance of the drum in Indigenous traditions. Marlene then provided instruction on how to prepare and assemble drums. With her guidance each person completed a working drum.
Several weeks later, Marlene held a follow-up session where participants brought their drums together for a group lesson. This gave the new drum makers an opportunity to learn songs and experience the sound of their instruments collectively in a circle.
The event was organized by the Revelstoke Truth and Reconciliation Committee, a volunteer group that coordinates activities to support reconciliation at the local level. The committee organizes the community’s annual Orange Shirt Day events on September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which include a walk and a drum circle. The drum-making workshop was designed to help more residents participate by having their own instruments, while also creating space for Indigenous knowledge to be shared locally.
The project demonstrated the value of hands-on learning in building understanding. By making their own drums under Marlene’s direction, participants gained a direct connection to Indigenous practices rather than only learning about them in theory. The follow-up drum lesson also reinforced the importance of community gathering and cultural exchange.
The Revelstoke Truth and Reconciliation Committee recognized the workshop as a meaningful step toward creating opportunities for Indigenous members of the community to share their traditions. The event also supported broader participation in reconciliation activities, particularly those held annually on Orange Shirt Day.
The committee expressed gratitude to Marlene for sharing her skills and teachings, and to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for making the workshop possible. The project leaves a lasting impact through the instruments created and the knowledge passed on to participants, strengthening both cultural understanding and community connections in Revelstoke.
