• Saturday 12 September – 1pm – 5pm
• Workshop capacity – 25
• Workshop cost – $50 per person (includes materials and instruction fee)

The deadline to register for the workshops is 7 Sept 2020 at 4pm.

Deadline to register and have packages mailed: Tues 1 Sept at 11:59pm

At the end of your order, you will have the option of either picking up your workshop materials via no-charge “Curbside Pick-Up” at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines (Thurs 3 Sept 2020 between 4-6pm or Tues 8 Sept between 9-11am), or you can select the Mail delivery option for a $5 charge.
All packages will be mailed 2 Sept 2020.

Zoom links will be sent to all registrants closer to the workshops.

The Drum:

We embrace the Hand Drum / Dewegun (living heart) honouring the 13 Moon Teachings where we incorporate 13 white pine wood pieces into the 13 inch frame of the Drum, each piece honouring one of the 13 Moons. It is a natural reminder of our connection to all of our Relations. We also embrace the Teachings which reflect the white pine Tree of Peace, which honour peaceful relations and the sharing of our collective gifts with one another. The hide we use is one of so many gifts we receive from the deer, the leader amongst our four-legged relations. Lastly, the natural dye from walnuts is used to form the imaging background on the face of the Drum. 

The Workshop:

• This workshop is approximately 4 hours in duration, and is ideal for first time drum makers.  It is stress free and a lot of fun, not to mention very fulfilling.
• We open with a Thanksgiving Address, Smudge, Introduction Circle, and Gratitude Song.
• This ‘hands on’ workshop normally begins with participants being introduced to our up close and personal ‘Buddy System’ approach which fosters healthy and supportive community ideals.  We have adjusted this approach slightly in order to remain balanced in the current COVID environment.
• Upon the conclusion of the workshop, and with time permitting, a Sharing Circle is held where participants may reflect on the workshop.

Materials provided for this workshop consists of:

• 13” dia. x 13 sided white pine frame to be sanded by participants
• Pre-cut, hole punched and hydrated deer raw hide circle
• Pre – cut wax sinew lacing  /  leather added
• Making of Strykers/Grandmother’s Arm 

Workshop Facilitators:

Jackie Labonte and Oliver Nobosin have been life partners together for over twenty years.

Jackie (tekaiatakwas) is self identified from the Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of Grand River Territory. She resides in the Niagara region, having worked with Native organizations for over thirty years providing services, sharing Traditional Teachings and serving as a Cultural Advisor. Oliver is self identified from Swampy Cree and mixed German/Welsh descent, having lived in the Niagara region all his life. He is an established singer/drummer and drum maker, having facilitated many requests for custom designed Native drums for individuals and groups, both domestic and abroad. Together they have established and are currently engaged in expanding a cultural collective known as Kimisken (You found it), which provides culturally based Workshops and circles.

They are very pleased to be part of an announcement to be made during the 2020 CofN of the official launch of the ‘101 Deweguns… A living Hearts Legacy’ project.