Drum Building Ceremony with Hwietum - Cowichan First Nations

Learn to use and honour the animals that give life — and song. Join us in a drum making workshop in the Cowichan Valley Join us for a 4 hour workshop and learn to use and honour the animals that give life — and song. Join a drum making workshop on the land in the Cowichan Valley with Cowichan musician and artist Hweimtun. Each student will make their own 14” Deer hide drum; workshop includes teachings on respectful harvesting, Cowichan stories and ceremonies, and the opportunity to try many different drums. Traditional drum making involved soaking animal rawhide until it is soft and malleable, then stretching tightly over wooden hoop. As the hide dries ,it shrinks to create a highly resonant drumhead This sacred procession requires patience ,and precision to achieve the perfect pitch. The workshop starts with traditional teachings about the hide, hoop and history of the drums in our territory. We will guide you through the assembly of the drum and making of the drum stick . To wrap up the workshop we will give you teaching about care and responsibility for your new instrument. We make the workshop informational, fun and historical, giveing you knowledge for you to use for years to come