Drum from the Heart

When Ren receives a handmade drum from his mother, he learns how special drumming is in the Nuu-chah-nulth culture, and he begins to connect to his Indigenous community and roots through drumming and singing. Colourful illustrations and positive dynamics highlight the traditions and culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, encouraging students to embrace who they are and where they came from. Suitable in a Grade K–5 classroom, this story lends itself well as a read-aloud, or it may be used to segue into a cultural study around the importance of drums in First Nations culture. Students may be invited to learn about a particular instrument with some significance in their culture and share it with classmates. This may also lead to drumming practice in music class or the making of drums to broaden students’ understanding of their significance in Indigenous cultures.