Family Drum Social and Tacos!

Family Drum Social and Tacos!

With the school year coming to a close we wanted to have one more special event after school at A.A. Wright.  Since we had opportunities to invite families into the school to make drums and shakers we decided to have one more Family Drum Social after school.  We wanted to make it a special night, so we asked one of the moms at our school to make her delicious frybread and have some Anishinaabe Tacos (also called Indian Tacos, NDN Tacos, but always delicious).



We invited all students, staff, and friends to come to our Family Drum Social.  We asked Cedric, Sandra and Lieghann Isaac to come and lead the social.  They have been to our school many times throughout the years to share their Anishinaabe and Mohawk culture with our students.  Cedric and Sandra have grandsons who go to our school and it's always special for the boys when their Misho (Ojibwe for "grandpa") and Tota (Mohawk for "grandparent") come to visit.



Many of the students and their families brought the drums that they made earlier in the year.  We also have 2 drums at A.A. Wright that we were able to share with families.


Students and staff were invited to participate in singing, drumming, and dancing.  Cedric also taught us about the different songs and dances.  
Leighann challenged families to participate in a dance where each dancer had to try to pick up a feather with their mouth without bending their knees.  



Some were more successful than others, but everyone had a really great time!

By inviting members of a neighbouring First Nation we ensured that our drum social was meaningful and appropriate.  There was a lot of deep learning that took place this evening.  There was also a lot of laughter and sharing.  We ensured that everyone had a meal, that our singers were given tobacco and received an honorarium.  It is very important to make sure people who are coming into share teachings and their culture are thanked and honored appropriately.  If you have any questions, please contact your board's Indigenous Lead or Indigenous Education Special Projects Teacher. 



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