Terrace, BC – This spring, students from the Coast Mountain College Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program joined students from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art for a day of hands-on cultural learning, creativity, and connection during a drum-making workshop led by Nisga'a Knowledge Holders and experienced drum-makers Erica and Rob Davis. Erica and Rob are graduates of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, so it was wonderful to welcome them back to the Terrace campus to share their expertise.
With guidance from the instructors, students crafted their own hand drums while gaining a deeper understanding of the role drums play in Nisga'a culture. They learned where to punch the holes around the edge of the hide, how to stretch the hide over the wooden frames, and the most effective methods for securing the hide with traditional rawhide lacing or cord.
For many of the students, from both the ECCE program and the First Nations Fine Arts program, it was their first experience making a drum. For those ECCE students who weren't Indigenous, it was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of cultural respect, relationship-building, and the responsibilities that come with engaging with Indigenous knowledge.
The workshop reflects the Indigenization of Coast Mountain College's ECCE curriculum, preparing students to enter their careers with approaches that benefit Indigenous children and families in our region by creating space for Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and cultural practices to lead child development. Students were encouraged to engage respectfully, ask questions, and reflect on what they learned.
According to ECCE instructors Trenna Johnson and Vicki Denis, students gained "a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities that come with cultural engagement—learning not just the 'how' of drum-making, but the 'why' behind its spiritual and communal significance. This cultivates integrity in their future roles as educators and artists, encouraging them to uphold cultural respect and authenticity in their work."
For ECCE student Abigail Carame, this experience highlighted the practical ways Indigenous knowledge can enrich future careers. Following the workshop Abigail shared that gently playing the drum she made helped soothe and calm a new child attending the daycare where she works, demonstrating how cultural teachings can become meaningful tools for supporting children's well-being and creating welcoming learning environments.
By bringing together future educators and emerging Indigenous artists, the drum-making workshop fostered cross-disciplinary learning. It demonstrated that some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside the formal classroom, learn directly from Knowledge Holders, and create something meaningful.
###
Media Contact
Heather Bastin
Executive Director, External Relations
hbastin@coastmountaincollege.ca
250-635-6511 ext. 5494