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Six Nations drummers welcome spring
By Jennifer Morrison, The Hamilton Spectator, Monday, March 22, 2004
Kaz Novak, the Hamilton Spectator
Theresa McGregor beats a drum during a ceremony yesterday to cure Mother Earth at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology.
Everyone has their own ritual when it comes time to ring in a new season.
Some wash their cars, others trade in their winter wardrobe for a lighter spring one. Still some might just go for a walk and treat it like any other day.
At the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology yesterday, drummers from Six Nations and local communities gathered to take part in the 8,000 Sacred Drums Ceremony to cure Mother Earth, marking the beginning of spring.
"Our unified actions today, by every person, from each race, colour and creed, assists in the healing of our Mother Earth," said Wilamina McGrimmond, a descendent of the Carrier Nation from B.C.
"We need to help each other, to form a true cycle. Mother Earth is made up of many beings ... All are needed to create the whole circle of life and death."
Just before noon, about 30 participants seated mostly in circles started drumming, feeding off each other's energy from the drums, and the snake-like sounds of the rattle.
Outside the drumming circles, wide-eyed onlookers watched, tapping their feet and shaking their heads to the soothing sound of the drums.
"If we can befriend the creation, give back what we take, that's all it takes," said Jan Longboat, a Mohawk from Six Nations.
Listening to the rhythmic sound of the drums -- all participants beating in unison -- one might think they've been coming together for some time.
They haven't.
Most have only known each other for a short time, having joined forces last summer in united opposition of the Red Hill Creek expressway.
Although the drumming continued into the early afternoon for the participants, their day began much earlier.
At 6 a.m. they gathered for a more intimate sunrise ceremony, followed by the lighting of the sacred fire, and then a breakfast feast to feed "Mother Earth, Grandfather Moon, and the Creator," McGrimmond explained.
"This is giving our thanks to the world for giving us life, peace and good health," she said.
"The people are destroying Mother Earth, so now we have to restore it."
Although this is the first time a healing ceremony of this kind has taken place in Hamilton, the tradition of giving thanks to Mother Earth goes back many years.