Native Women in the Arts, in partnership with IndigenEd & Centre for Indigenous Theatre, is pleased to present Women’s Hand Drumming.
This series of women’s hand-drumming sessions are intended as practice and learning spaces for emerging and novice drummers. Origin stories of songs, protocols, leading songs, and cultural contexts will be integrated into the teaching of each song & participants are encouraged to share their knowledge. These sessions aim to respect a diversity of teachings & beliefs – all participants are asked to attend with this intention in mind.
Fall Schedule:
Thursday, Oct. 12 – Veronica – Intention, Connection & Gratitude
Thursday, Oct. 26 – Aqua – Two Spirit Truth
Thursday, Nov. 9 – Veronica – Being Responsible for our Energy
Thursday, Nov. 23 – Veronica – Respect, Shaming & Moon Lodge
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Veronica – Affirmations & Manifesting
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Address: 180 Shaw St, Suite 209, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5
These sessions are open to all female-identified and non-binary individuals. A light snack and refreshments will be provided. Children are always welcome. Please note that childcare is not provided. Sessions are DROP-IN & FREE though registration is requested. Please send your name and email address to drumming@nwia.ca, along with any questions you may have. There is no deadline for registration, and this circle will invite new members continuously.
Goals:
1. Gather and empower female identified people through music and ceremony.
2. Revitalize the traditional principles of gender equality mechanisms and spiritual practices and recognize rematriation in progress as a way to decolonize.
Featured Hand Drummer Hosts:
Veronica Johnny, Muskose’wukaw pussa’w Iskwao (Meadow Valley Woman) – is of mixed Cree Metis & Dene First Nations descent. She is a traditional & contemporary two-spirit Indigenous hand-drummer from Fort Smith, NWT. Veronica shares indigenous teachings, hosts drum circles and sings healing songs for the good of all life everywhere. She facilitates arts-education workshops including self-esteem, music and cultural teachings. Veronica is also a singer/songwriter and the front woman, vocalist and manager of The Johnnys, a high-energy rock band she founded with husband Dave Johnny; and an artist entrepreneur as the founder of IndigenEd – Indigenous Education for all – “creating understanding between Indigenous and non-indigenous people.”
Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone (Water Flower) is a hand-drummer and singer/songwriter. Aqua crafts music reflecting her deep respect for Indigenous traditions, and determination to thrive as an artist, Métis woman of Ojibwe descent. On one hand her process is one of purposeful reflection and healing, translating life’s challenges into melody and verse to uplift herself and others. On the other, she is mindful of remaining open to universal energies, allowing spirit to channel music through her, unfiltered, with surprising, powerful results. Aqua works to empower youth and women, is a longstanding facilitator of community drum circles, a partner with several Indigenous organizations, regularly collaborates with like-minded artists, and facilitates cultural workshops across Ontario.
Notes:
Along with learning and singing drum songs, each session will focus on one or more topics – indigenous teachings & perspectives will be shared within each.
To encourage giving the participants more experience, each facilitator will choose a helper each session.
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