Rankin Inlet (Oct 27/04) - The ranks of those who know how to construct a traditional drum grew by six earlier this month in Rankin Inlet.

The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre sponsored a qilauti (drum-making) course at Nunavut Arctic College's trade shop in Rankin Inlet from Oct. 12-19.

The course was delivered by Lorne Pissuk, who is well known in the community for his drum-making ability.

The friendship centre's youth co-ordinator, Noah Tiktak, said Thomas Tiktak Jr., Jim Papak, Aaron Angidlik, Aaron Autut and Arsene Kaput joined him for the program.

In preparation for the course, the wood to be used was immersed in ocean water for three days and then soaked in boiling water to make it more flexible.

"We learned how to make the drums from A to Z," said Tiktak.

"The drums are made of maple and store-bought material. Lorne tried to use caribou skin once, but the skin started to dry up and the drum bent as a result."

Tiktak said once the drums were finished, the course participants began learning the proper way to use them.

"Lorne's wife, Rosalie Pissuk, gave everyone a bit of history on the drum dance and we tried our hand at playing a bit while she sang.

"We all promised to get together every now and then to practise and hone our skills, and Rosalie is going to continue singing for us."

The participants were allowed to keep the drums they constructed during the course.

Tiktak said he hopes the five youth participants continue on with their drum dancing.

He said the drum is far too important to Inuit culture to be just put aside.

"It would be something to see one or more of these young guys continue on and become really great at drum dancing.

"We receive a lot of help when we sponsor these types of programs and this one was no exception.

"From Nunavut Arctic College supplying the facility and the Rankin Inlet Housing association helping out with tools -- community support is very important to our programs."