101 DEWEGUNS CARRIES THE IMPACT OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

In a barn that smelt heavily like pine, volunteers tackled a project with lofty aspirations.

Called 101 Deweguns ... A Living Hearts Legacy, the project aims to create 101 hand drums making use of 101 artists from across the country. Each drum will tell the story of the intergenerational impact of residential schools through the painted canvas on the drum skin and in the etchings of names on the structure of the instrument.

Organizers hope 101 Deweguns will help to inspire and heal people across Canada. The Milton-based event for 101 Deweguns was created in relationship with Grandmother's Voice - a local indigenous women-lead organization that aims to educate, engage and heal.

Jackie Labonte, one of the co-creators of the 101 Deweguns, said she believes the project will have intangible effects for those who will encounter it.

"Sometimes they may not even fully understand what something is about, but feeling it and not really knowing what that is, but knowing that there is something. I think that's what this project is going to be doing to a lot of folks. It's having that connection, carrying that energy, sharing that energy and then it's going to help put things in a different perspective and is going to help folks to be in a different perspective," said Labonte.

The nationwide project held an event in Milton's Country Heritage Park on March 10. Volunteers worked at a number of tables where they performed tasks, including burning the names of residential

school students who never returned home into the structure of the drums. Additional workshops for the project are planned around Halton.

Lynette Evans was one of the many volunteers who participated on March 10. She said there were several reasons for wanting to help at the event.

"I'm actually exploring my own roots, and it makes sense to learn more about other Indigenous cultures and the whole issue of truth and reconciliation. The residential schools have always been a problem for me because of how history is taught in Canada, and I grew up here just — it's very, very personal. And I understood that history is very one-sided. So, as I explore and connect with people in various nations around the world, I learn more about how we are actually one," said Evans.

Oliver Nobosin, one of the co-creators, believes everyone will take something from the project to change them.

The experience of crafting the drums have proven to be emotional for many of the people taking part.

Writing the names of children who died in the country's residential schools brought several volunteers to tears.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg for the young ones that were there. These young ones never returned home — they died there. So 101 drums times 13 names per drum doesn't even do it justice. But, we can do some justice to know that we carry that spirit energy of those young ones, they help all of us," said Nobosin.

Once complete, the drums will find their permanent home at the St. Catharines First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. They will also begin a physical and virtual tour of the country, where the founders believe they will share the stories of the artists and open up reconciliatory dialogue.

To inquire about how to get involved or support Grandmother's Voice email Jody@grandmothersvoice.com. The next 101 Deweguns event is Milton is planned for March 28 at Country Heritage Park. Those interested in taking part can learn more at www.grandmothersvoice.com.