Canada – First Nations drums

Meet Jerry Chapman from the Stó:lō Nation – a wonderful singer, drummer and drum maker. We first met at a conference in Vancouver. Whilst talking with the organisers on the stage (during set-up) I wondered if anyone happened to have any First Nation drums. Jerry and his wife were walking past the stage and over heard my conversation, and introduced himself, saying that he had a car load of drums and that he would make them available! Our friendship started with his generosity.

The large drum (made just before this event) was a new drum. In his custom, each drum is named and he allowed me to play the drum and said, “I now know what to call it – it’s name is joy!” Apparently my face had given the biggest smile when I first hit the drum.