The Cranbrook History Centre welcomed Numa Kakin drummers from Ktunaxa First Nation to Idlewild Park for a musical performance on July 31.
Moose Luke, Willard Johnson, Chris Johnson, Janine "Jay" Landry and Bertha Andrew from the Ktunaxa communities of Aq'am, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi and Yaqan Nuʔkiy performed indigenous drumming including an honour song, an eagle bear spirit song and a round dance.
There was a sizable turnout at the event, and participants were able to jump in and participate in the round dance, forming a big circle and sidestepping slowly in a clockwise motion while holding hands, and then meeting in the middle greet one another.
Locals may recognize some of the members of the group, as they have travelled around the East Kooteany region to perform at public events. They have performed at Ktunaxa flag raisings, Indigenous community events, and most recently at the Symphony of the Kootenays at St. Eugene Resort.
At one time, they travelled the powwow circuit, entering drumming competitions to win money, but their recent efforts have been more locally focused.
Luke taught his fellow drummers the songs, having learned to play as a young man by his predecessors Bob Jacobs and Larry White.
He said drumming is a community-building exercise and spiritual practice, allowing people to strengthen bonds with friends and family, and their cultural ties. There are specific rituals associated with drumming, including welcoming the spirit of the drum by rubbing the instrument and performing a private closing song away from the eyes of the public.
Many families have their own individual drums. The one the group used was built by Chris out of elk skin.
Andrew added that historically women played a major role in leading drum circles, as Ktunaxa societies are matriarchal.
