The Heartbeat of the Land: Métis Drumming, Rattles, and Ceremony

Please note: Doors open at 6 p.m. Door prizes are awarded starting at 6:15, and the programming begins at 6:30 p.m.

Gather. Experience a smudge ceremony, then learn more about Métis drumming & singing, and rattles, with Chantal Chagnon.

Drums and rattles have been used in ceremony, performance and personally by Indigenous people across Turtle Island. The sound of the rattle reminds us of the healing power of rain, chaos of the Storm, the nurturing and life giving Nature of Water, and the power contained in each and every one of us. Rattles were often used to pray for and honour the Rains for the sound and connection between Earth and Sky.

The sound of the drum compares to the human heartbeat and resembles the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Explore traditional aboriginal drums in a variety of styles, including Cree, Dreamcatcher and Coast Salish.

About the Artist:

Chantal Chagnon is a Cree Ojibwe Métis storyteller, singer, drummer, actor and workshop facilitator with roots in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. She shares Traditional Indigenous arts, culture, history, and teachings in a variety of settings.

Chantal aims to entertain, engage, enlighten, educate, inspire, empower and create bridges of opportunity for cooperation, understanding and healing, for our past and future generations.