Seeds of Hope in Bloom: The Drum Feasts at Evergreen Brick Works
In collaboration with Kâpapâmahchakwêw Wandering Spirit School (KWSS), Evergreen hosted a series of Drum Feasts to engage Indigenous youth with land-based practices, ceremony, and cultural teachings.
In Fall 2023, Evergreen received a Seeds of Hope grant from the United Church of Canada Foundation to support the Drum Feasts initiative. The grant came from the Watkins Fund for Innovative Programs and Projects in Addressing Poverty and Children at Risk.
Drum Feasts at Evergreen Brick Works were a vital initiative designed to foster deeper connections between urban Indigenous youth and the land. This allowed for community engagement beyond the specific ceremony days, offering the community increased access to the land. The events were successful in introducing younger generations to ceremony. They also promote a sense of belonging and connection to both culture and the land.
The Ceremony
On the day of each Drum Feast, students from kindergarten to grade 12 arrived at Evergreen Brick Works at 9 a.m. Each day-long event began with age-appropriate land-based workshops and hikes led by experienced outdoor educators. In the middle of the day, guests gathered for the ceremony, which began with smudging and teachings from KWSS Elders. Elder Jimmy Dick (speaking exclusively in Anishinaabemowin) and Elder Marie Gaudet shared teachings about the Suckerfish Moon and water. Participants then joined in a water song, sung by older girls with hand drums, and a new drum was initiated into the community during a strawberry ceremony.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a feast of wild rice, bison stew, fresh bannock, and strawberry juice. The feast was prepared by April Nicolle, Evergreen’s Land-Based Community Programs Specialist, in collaboration with KWSS food experts. Elders were served first in accordance with traditional protocol. In the afternoon, students engaged in further land-based activities such as fire making, water testing, and willow basket weaving.
Testimonials and Community Impact
The Drum Feasts left a lasting impact on both participants and the broader community. One K-WSS educator shared, “These land-based events foster deeper connection between Indigenous youth and their peers, Elders, and families. They also offer youth a greater sense of connection to the land in Toronto, boosting health, self-esteem, and well-being.”
A K-WSS teacher added, “The Drum Feast was a nice event in relationship with the Land where I witnessed a lot of Indigenous joy.” An Evergreen Outdoor Educator recalled, “I was really touched that several of the students who participated in the plant weaving session kept going with the craft, including during and after the ceremony.”
Key Learnings
Through the course of the Drum Feasts, Evergreen learned several valuable lessons that can benefit others looking to undertake similar projects:
Inter-generational Programming is Key! Including participants of all ages—youth, community members, and Elders—was fundamental to the success of the project. The intergenerational nature of the programming allowed for a stronger sense of connection and belonging, benefiting participants across all stages of life.
Partnership and Meaningful Engagement Take Time. Each ceremony presented new learnings and insights, and it was evident that long-term relationships require patience. Evergreen plans to continue its partnership with KWSS to foster meaningful, sustained engagement with urban Indigenous peoples.
Adaptability is Crucial. The programming for each ceremony was adjusted to engage a wide age range of youth participants, from kindergarten to high school. The ability to reassess and adapt the program based on the needs of the participants was essential to its success.
Measurable Results and Objectives
The Drum Feasts left a lasting impact on both participants and the broader community. One K-WSS educator shares, “These land-based events foster deeper connection between Indigenous youth and their peers, Elders, and families. They also offer youth a greater sense of connection to the land in Toronto, boosting health, self-esteem, and well-being.”
A teacher adds, “The Drum Feast was a nice event in relationship with the Land where I witnessed a lot of Indigenous joy.” An Evergreen Outdoor Educator recalls, “I was really touched that several of the students who participated in the plant weaving session kept going with the craft, including during and after the ceremony.”
Looking Forward
The Drum Feasts have not only strengthened the relationship between Evergreen and KWSS, but may also foster future collaborations. Evergreen is excited to extend its partnership through the planting of a ceremonial and medicinal garden with the KWSS community in 2025, honoring an Elder who recently passed away. Additionally, Evergreen plans to partner with Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag, an Indigenous Youth Program, to engage in native species planting initiatives.
Ultimately, through the success of these Drum Feasts, Evergreen has created a space for Indigenous youth to reconnect with their heritage and the land. They’re forging lasting partnerships and setting the stage for even greater future collaboration!
Plant Your Own Seeds of Hope… and Watch Them Bloom!
The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a wide variety of grant opportunities for United Church of Canada organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. These grants are a part of the stewardship of our trusts and endowments, made possible by the generosity of donors. The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars each year to support innovative United Church projects. Our Fall granting round is open! How will a funding boost from Seeds of Hope help your project take flight?
Our Fall 2024 Seeds of Hope grant round is open! Learn more and apply now: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope. We are always available if you need help completing your applications! Should you have any questions, please email us at grants@united-church.ca.
