WE BELONG TO THE DRUM
The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.
Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn't feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.
Inspired by her son's experience- and her family's love of powwow music and dance- Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.
The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre is grateful to have the opportunity to meet and work on Treaty 7 territory. As settlers on these lands, it is important to acknowledge that we are located on the unceded territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Nation), including Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, as well as the Metis Nation Region 3. We want to express our respect for the territory we reside in and honour the diverse Indigenous People who have lived and worked on this land historically and presently. We, the staff, and leadership at The Fort Museum, are committed to being active participants in reconciliation. We are committed to actively working through programs and displays to decolonize the Blackfoot voice in our spaces.