Father Bruce needs help starting a drum-making program, an intercultural exchange between the Latino community of the “Back of the Yards” neighborhood and Native Americans. Sister Joellen Tumas, PHJC tells him of Sister Mary Baird, PHJC and the elders of MoonTree who made a large ceremonial drum for their community. Poor Handmaids listen to Father’s request and respond with donated wood and elk hides purchased from Cedar Mountain Drums in Oregon using funds from the music CD sales. Urban Native Americans agree to teach the students.
Twenty-five sign up to make drums. They select a chunk of maple, the size dictates how long a commitment to hollow the wood. Hot coals scorch, the workers chip and chisel. The process takes days. It is not easy. Drummers learn patience and perseverance. They stretch hides, secure with leather lacing, add words of “Peace” and “Education,” beautiful patterns, beads and feathers. They learn a secan or drum chant. They practice together to become one sound.
Dusk, a dangerous time of day in the neighborhood. Hundreds gather, a diverse crowd of many races and nations including Ottawa, Chippewa, Pokagon, Lakota and Micmac. Father Bruce speaks passionately calling for an end to gang violence. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and grandparents bundle up against the Chicago wind, but there is no protection from the cold pain of loss.
Sister Mary Baird and Sister Nancy Raboin bring the PHJC ceremonial drum and join the rhythm. They march to the local library, closed due to lack of funding. People chant “No more guns, we want books!”
The intense sound of the secan pierces the darkness and vibrates the soul. Candles light up faces. Dancers join in. Michael Terronez from the American Indian Movement gives a traditional blessing. A young boy stands by the Sisters’ big drum. He wants to try; his brother killed just one month before. His beat melds into the cry for peace.
In Los Angeles, 2000 miles away, others drum simultaneously with Chicago. Hope soars as citizens take back their neighborhoods. With fierce determination of spirit, they pray for an end to the slaughter. The experience deeply affects the crowd; more ask to make drums.
{mov}drumming-for-peace{/mov}
