As part Honour Water’s dedication to continuing to support Indigenous people beyond the game space and at the ground level, the Oshkii Giizhik Singers Healing Circle were supported through a drum making workshop thanks to an award from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.
The Oshkii Giizhik Singers Healing Circle facilitates healing through drumming for Indigenous women. The event series began with a private gathering of women traveling to Fond du Lac from around Minnesota who learned how to make hand drums so that they can in turn teach other women how to make hand drums. The women will later celebrate their new drums and share songs at a public event that widens the circle.
The Healing Circle was honored to listen to water teachings and be guided in drum making by Sharon Day, who coordinates Nibi Walks. She shared hides, techniques, and songs as women told stories about drumming and Lyz Jaakola showed historical photos that establish how Anishinaabekwewag carried drums intergenerationally. The gathering was a beautiful celebration of expanding voices and carrying on teachings.