A hands-on lesson in Native culture (6/2/2021)
Drumming is like a heartbeat, instructors told Riverway Learning Community students. After weeks of building a Native drum and gaining knowledge about its meaning, students finally got to experience that beat for themselves as they performed a song.
The students assisted with putting together the drum as part of an extracurricular activity throughout this spring led by Angela and Patrick Boozhoo, co-chairs of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), and community member Paul Barrett. “Because it is about community,” Angela said. “Now the children are tied to that drum. They’re always welcome to come to that drum, to sit at it, to sing. Whatever it is. No matter what.”