Introduction
In the verdant expanses of the Upper Midwest, a vital cultural practice is finding renewed vigor despite contemporary challenges. At the heart of this revival is the traditional Native American drumming, a practice steeped in centuries of history and spirituality. This article explores the deep cultural significance of drumming for Native American communities, the challenges they face in preserving this tradition, and their resilience in the face of modern obstacles.
The Drumming Tradition: A Cultural Cornerstone
Drumming holds a place of profound reverence in Native American culture, particularly in the Upper Midwest. For many Native communities, the drum symbolizes the heartbeat of the earth and the pulse of their spiritual and communal life. Jakob Wilson, a young Ojibwe musician, eloquently describes the drum as the “heartbeat” of his people. The term “dewe’igan,” which translates to “drum” in Ojibwe, is derived from the words for heart and sound, highlighting its essential role in Native spiritual practice and community cohesion.
Historical Context and Modern Challenges
Forced Repression and Trauma
The history of Native American drumming is fraught with periods of suppression and trauma. Historically, the U.S. government and religious institutions sought to eradicate Native cultural practices, including drumming, through policies of forced assimilation. Boarding schools, such as the one attended by Jakob Wilson’s grandmother, played a significant role in this cultural suppression. These institutions aimed to eradicate Indigenous languages, customs, and spiritual practices, imposing Western values and norms in their place.
The impact of these policies is still felt today. Many Native communities carry the scars of these historical injustices, and contemporary efforts to suppress traditional practices can evoke painful memories of past repressions.
The Recent Controversy in Hinckley
In 2023, a controversy unfolded in Hinckley, Minnesota, where Jakob Wilson and his drum group were barred from performing at his sister Kaiya’s graduation ceremony. The school board’s decision to prohibit “all extracurricular groups” from participating in the ceremony, ostensibly to avoid legal risks and disruptions, was seen by many Native families as a slight against their cultural and spiritual practices.
Lesley Shabaiash, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, expressed her dismay, noting that such decisions can have a chilling effect on cultural expression. The ban was perceived as a lack of understanding and respect for Native traditions, particularly when the drum and its accompanying songs are integral to spiritual and communal life.
The Role of Drumming in Native Communities
Spiritual and Communal Significance
Drumming is much more than a musical practice for Native Americans; it is a profound expression of spiritual connection and community. In drum circles, participants often include a lead singer who starts each song before passing the beat to others. The drum itself, typically made from wood and animal hide, is considered a sacred object with its own spirit, often cared for with great reverence by its keeper.
Tony Frank, a drum instructor at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, emphasizes that drumming is a spiritual act. The connection to the drum and its rhythms is deeply rooted in Native cosmology, where songs are often seen as gifts from the Creator. The act of singing and drumming is a way to convey feelings, celebrate life, and maintain spiritual connections.
Passing Down Traditions
The transmission of drumming traditions is a critical aspect of cultural preservation. Many Native families pass down the practice of drumming and singing through generations. Songs and drum patterns are often learned from elders or are gifted in dreams to medicine men. This intergenerational transfer of knowledge helps to keep the traditions alive and relevant to contemporary life.
Mark Erickson, a distinguished culture carrier for Anishinaabe songs, underscores the importance of this transmission. Erickson, who learned his people’s songs later in life, reflects on the decades of effort required to master these traditions. His work exemplifies the commitment needed to preserve and perpetuate Native cultural practices.
Community Reactions and Resilience
Responses to the Hinckley Controversy
The decision by the Hinckley-Finlayson High School to bar the drum group from the graduation ceremony sparked widespread disappointment among Native communities. The school’s action was perceived as a dismissive response to a deeply held cultural practice. In the wake of the controversy, community members, including Tim Taggart from the Meshakwad Community Center, organized a powwow in the school’s parking lot to celebrate and reaffirm their cultural identity.
This event was not just about protest but about affirming cultural pride and solidarity. Taggart’s optimism about rebuilding bridges reflects a broader sentiment within the community—a belief that cultural practices can overcome obstacles and continue to thrive.
Efforts to Revive and Sustain Traditions
In response to the challenges they face, Native communities are actively working to sustain and revitalize their traditions. Programs at centers like the Minneapolis American Indian Center play a crucial role in this effort. These centers provide a space for drumming and dancing, helping individuals reconnect with their cultural roots and pass on traditions to younger generations.
Cheryl Secola, program director for the Culture Language Arts Network, highlights the importance of these programs in maintaining cultural continuity. Despite the challenges, families bring their children to these sessions, building connections and ensuring that cultural practices endure.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Cultural Resilience
As Native American communities in the Upper Midwest continue to face challenges, their resilience and commitment to preserving their drumming traditions remain strong. The drum, as a symbol of spiritual and communal vitality, plays a central role in their cultural life. Efforts to safeguard this tradition reflect a broader determination to honor and sustain Native heritage in the face of modern obstacles.
In conclusion, the story of Native American drumming in the Upper Midwest is one of both struggle and triumph. It is a testament to the enduring strength of cultural traditions and the ongoing effort to protect and celebrate them. As communities navigate contemporary challenges, their dedication to preserving their drumming heritage underscores the vital role of cultural practices in maintaining identity and fostering resilience.
