Fort Providence (Jun 09/06) - Some women in Fort Providence will now be able to literally move to the beat of their own drum.

At the beginning of May, a group of women gathered in Margaret Thom's backyard to learn how to make drums from Aline LaFlamme, who travelled from Vancouver to teach the session.

Some of the participants from the drum making session display their instruments, including Margaret Ann Landry, back left, Marina Sabourin, teacher Aline LaFlamme, Audrey Landry, Margaret Vandell, Margaret Thom, Julia Gargan, front left, Rebecca Landry, Destiny Thom, Mary Ann Gargan and Malarie Gargan. Participants not seen in the picture include Lois Phillipp, Daya Laxmishvestah, Nicola Wiedenmann, Laura Sabourin, Tina Gargan and Roslyn Nadli. - photo courtesy of Margaret Thom

The event was organized by Thom and Lois Phillipp.

Culture and traditional teachings are very important at the school, Thom said.

Part of the goal of the drum making was to revive the rituals that are no longer being practised by youth.

"The young adults have no connection to the land and their culture," Thom said. "If our young people are going to do well, they need the best of both worlds."

This was the first chance offered in the community for women to make drums, Thom said.

During the first day of the three-day session, the focus was on traditional teachings about drums.

When making the drums, the first step was punching holes in the hide for the lacings.

This was difficult because it was thick steer hide, Thom said.

Lacing the hide over the frame was also tricky, Thom said because the tension has to be even and there must be an equal amount of hide pulled over each side of the frame.

Participants also put a crosspiece in the middle of the drum and laced it together to form a handle.

Making drumming sticks was also part of the process.

The last step was to let the drums dry.

The finished product is a woman's-style drum which is different than a Dene drum because it has a deeper frame and the hide goes over the frame, Thom said.

Building a drum helped fulfill one of Thom's dreams. She said she'd always wanted a drum but didn't want to buy one.

"I really enjoyed it," Thom said about the session.

When the women played their new drums for the first time a group of three eagles flew past.

"It was like the eagles came to give us their blessings," Thom said.

The session was also appreciated by the youth participants.

"I thought it was an awesome opportunity," said student Destiny Thom.

As long as you understood and followed the instructions making a drum isn't too hard, said Thom.

With their new drums, the women plan to start a drumming group.

"I think everyone should get that opportunity," Thom said.