Cambrian College's Wabnode Institute held a celebration ceremony on Monday, May 8, 2007, to mark the creation of a new women's hand drumming circle.

"Anishinaabe culture is about balance and requires both men and women to achieve it," says Joyce Helmer, Chair of the Wabnode Institute. "Cambrian currently has a men's drum group and the introduction of a women's hand drum circle is essential in creating this balance."

Men sing as a group around one large drum, called a Grandfather drum. Women, particularly in this territory, sing with Grandmother hand drums that are played individually.

The drums at the ceremony were made by the people participating in the drumming circle. The making of these hand drums takes six days, with the last day being the celebration and the birthing ceremony, which brings voice to the drum. The umbilical cord of the drum, which is in fact the excess sinew that is used to lace the it, is cut during the birthing part of the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Winnie Pitawanakwat, an elder from the area, spoke about caring and respecting the drum. She explained to the drummers that the face of the drum is like the face of a Grandmother and it must be handled with gentleness and be protected from negative spirits. This, she added, is good medicine for the drum.

"These drums will be taken care of by the Wabnode staff and will be offered to College ceremonies and events to raise the level of integration of Anishinaabe engagement within the College," says Helmer.