7th Fire Singers Women and 2 Spirits Hand Drum Program

From September 1 to December 31, 2025, Common Weal Community Arts hosted the 7th Fire Singers Women and 2 Spirits Hand Drum Program—a 9-week-long singing and traditional drum-making workshop series, which took place at Station 20 West Community Enterprise Centre, in Saskatoon. Led by members of 7th Fire Singers, a grassroots group of women and 2-Spirits, this program focused on revitalizing culture while healing through sacred medicine. Through smudge and drumming circles, participants were able to connect with each other in a safe space to build confidence and community.

For 9 weeks, the workshop occurred every Wednesday night. Under the comprehensive guidance of instructors, the participants learned how to make their own traditional hand drums and rattles from scratch, followed by a Birthing Ceremony under the Hunter's moon in October to bring their drums to life. Throughout the program, participants learned various songs from different nations and languages across turtle island. The hands-on workshops were taught by facilitators, Kamisha Alexson, Teedly Linklater, Elissa Brown, and Lindsay Knight (AKA Eekwol); guided by the mentorship and the wisdom generously shared by Elder Maria Linklater, the participants were taught to care for, respect and learn about protocols with the drum so that they can continue to pass on traditional knowledge. 

The participants learned and worked on their drums diligently throughout the program—beyond learning, they were laughing, praying, and dining together.  Many participants created beautiful memories through sharing and formed lasting kinship. An open circle was held in November, where indigenous women and 2-Spirits who couldn’t commit to the 9-week workshop were invited to the drumming circle, offering a great opportunity for community members to participate in a casual manner.

On the evening of December 3, a final showcase and ceremony was held in Station 20 West. Participants joined in a drumming circle, sang and drummed with the very hand drum they birthed and took great care of since the beginning of this program. During the ceremony, Kohkum Maria presented each participant with a certificate, commemorating their dedication to successfully completing the 9-week-long program and passing down the sacred knowledge. The showcase concluded with a magnificent feast prepared by the members of 7th Fire Singers, which many participants described as “Spot on, just like what I’d be fed by my kohkum.”

This program generously funded by the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation and supported by Station 20 West Community Enterprise Centre.