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St. Francis drum group sustained through student dedication

Article Origin

Author

By Roy Pogorzelski Sweetgrass Writer LETHBRIDGE

Volume

18

Issue

6

Year

2011

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at St. Francis school have discovered their strengths in leadership, commitment and performance through a newly formed drum group.

Last October, a handful of students approached Billy Woitte, FNMI worker at St. Francis junior high school, in Lethbridge about starting an extra curricular drum group. Woitte immediately embraced the initiative and supported the youth by providing space, supervision and finding a time slot.

The drop-in drum group consists of students from grades 7 to 9. They practice every Tuesday at lunch time, upping practise times to every lunch hour when performances are pending.

“The drum group is inclusive to all students, but at the moment there have been six dedicated Aboriginal students that have never missed a practice and assist with teaching others. On some occasions even the care taker, teachers and principal will join in on a session to drum with the students,” said Woitte.

The students are self-taught and the more veteran students assist new students with the cultural and technical teachings behind drumming.

The drum group has become such a cohesive unit that they have been invited to perform at various events throughout Lethbridge. Recently, they performed at the University of Lethbridge’s Aboriginal Awareness Week festivities. They have also drummed at the Aboriginal Opportunities Employment Centre career fair, school talent shows, heritage days at schools throughout the city and are in talks with Lethbridge College to showcase their talents.

“I am very proud of the drum group and every time they perform it is hard not to get a bit emotional. They represent their culture so proudly, are very talented and one day will be very strong leaders within their community,” said Woitte.

The drum group has become a leader among the many extra curricular activities at their school.  They have displayed pride in their heritage, respect for their culture and an opportunity for more FNMI youth to get involved, said Woitte.

The drum group has created a sense of inclusion and belonging for these students at their school.

“It is incredible to watch a dedicated group of youth not only start a group, but become active role models to other youth within their school,” said Woitte.

This level of dedication and commitment is what will make the drum group sustainable.

“It is up to the older youth to encourage, mentor and act as role models to the Grade 7 youth.  Most of the students in the group are currently in Grade 8, so it is important to get involvement from youth entering Grade 7,” said Woitte.

Regardless, these youth have paved the way for their classmates to get involved, have fun and learn an important cultural trait through drumming.