Aklavik (Sep 15/03) - Cecilia Greenland is living proof school cultural programs can have an impact.

When Greenland was nine or 10 years old she was exposed to traditional drum dancing at Moose Kerr school in Aklavik.

Cecilia Greenland drums and dances with the Aklavik Delta Drummers and Dancers. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

Nearly 10 years later she's still moving her feet and swaying her body to the rhythm of drums as a member of the Aklavik Delta Drummers and Dancers.

"Just participating and having fun is the most important part," said Greenland, now 17.

"I like doing it and just having fun with the movements."

She continued to learn drumming and dancing long after the introductory class for two reasons: because she loves to dance and there is an opportunity to travel and share her culture with others.

She went to Ottawa this past summer with her fellow dancers and drummers to participate in the Canada Day celebrations.

"I love to travel and show people the dances and our tradition."

Every community has a different spin on the dances, drums and parkas.

Inuvialuit drums are used in Aklavik. The drums are misted with water to give a different sound from the Dene drums, which are usually heated, said Greenland.

Drumming and dancing is not for the faint of heart or the out of shape. It's quite a workout. Although the dancers wear light weight parkas, they still get hot during the performance.

"Once you start moving you get kind of hot and you've got to have that water beside you," laughed Greenland.

While she doesn't have a favourite song, Greenland enjoys the exercise songs as part of the warm up routine before a practice or performance.

She sees her dancing and drumming skills as part of a continuum. She hopes to pass her skills down to the next generation when the time comes.

"I want to teach the songs and the drum dance to them and let them know what it's all about," said Greenland.

"(It's) important to remember the people who used to dance to it and passed it on to us."