Creating opportunities for staff to participate in Carrier Sekani cultural practices is key to socializing Jurisdiction to working with and within communities.
In early March of 2023, Hereditary Chiefs and Jurisdiction Community Engagement Facilitators Cindy Lowley-Patrick and Eugene Patrick led CSFS staff in a drum making session as part of the Jurisdiction department’s bi-annual ‘Foundations’ training. Staff were also joined by Hereditary Chief and elder Matriarch of Caribou Clan Rosie Pierre, and hereditary chief and Grizzly Bear leader Peter (Damian) Pierre. After two days of drying, tying and adding artistic touches, the team closed the session with a drum circle wherein members learned each Clan’s entrance song.
The drum making session was grounded in reciprocity. Each one of the 73 deer-hide drums will be gifted to Carrier children in care living in the Vancouver area. The session was born out of a commitment made by Jurisdiction team members who attended the opening of the Vancouver CSFS office last summer. The team met with Vancouver staff to explore ways to bridge CSFS staff and stay connected with Carrier Sekani children living in urban communities.
The drums will serve as cultural ties for children in care; they are tangible connections to each child’s heritage and a reminder that no matter where they are, there is a community of love and support behind them.
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