Brandon Residents Unite for Community-Building Song and Drum Event

Residents of Brandon, Canada, came together on March 16, 2024, in Stanley Park for the “Song and Drum” event, a celebration filled with music, food, and a strong sense of community. Organized by the Brandon Friendship Centre and various partners, the gathering aimed to strengthen community ties through shared cultural traditions and activities.

The initiative emerged from regular meetings of men’s and women’s groups, as explained by one of the event’s organizers, Murray Smith. “Every so often, we bring this together as a co-ed, and this helps us build community,” he stated. “Through our song and our drumming, we enhance our community to be healthier, to be happier and most importantly, to be harmonious.” The event served as a way to express gratitude to attendees, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.

For Lori Carver, who supports individuals in recovery, the event also provided a platform for sharing traditions and fostering healing. “I work with people in recovery, whom I teach the drum to,” she shared. “I just try to pass my knowledge down to the clients there. Singing is one of my big things that I enjoy, so I pass it down to clients who are in recovery.”

The participation of children and youth was particularly encouraged, with younger attendees taking turns drumming alongside elders and community members. Smith highlighted the importance of this engagement, stating, “With the children, they come and learn the culture. You’ll see some of the young ones drumming, and they come to the weekly events also. Without a basis for what we do, they don’t have a basis to connect to their culture.” He emphasized the role of adults in teaching the next generation, as they are the future of the community.

The event was made possible through the hard work of volunteers, who managed logistics and provided necessary amenities, such as shade tents on a warm day. Smith expressed his gratitude towards those who contributed to the success of the gathering. “People from all walks of life come here, and we allow everybody to participate. This is a sober event — no alcohol, no drugs — because many people here are in recovery,” he noted. “But we thank our Creator, we thank everybody that has a Creator and prays, for allowing us to walk a good life and facilitate all of what we do through our actions.”

The “Song and Drum” event not only showcased the vibrant culture of Brandon but also reinforced the importance of community support and togetherness. As the day concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of connection and purpose, emphasizing the significance of such gatherings in fostering a healthy and inclusive environment.