Sarah's Testimonials

When we met on zoom for the class, we were welcomed and brought into a sacred space. Sarah brought the traditional teachings she has been gifted and opened the space with respect for the territory, and for each participant as we introduced ourselves and acknowledged our ancestors. Despite not being physically connected, we felt connected through the Sarah’s creation of the circle and strong teachings.  She was able to use technology, with two cameras, to show us each step of the drum making, as she worked along with us.   

Throughout our time together I found the instructions clear, and Sarah to be very helpful. The workshop gave a great sense of community as we worked on our drums together in a virtual space. There was laughter and good natured talk, as we supported each other in this new creation.   
When we met a few days later to ‘wake’ our drums up, the experience filled us with good spirits and the full heart of completion. Using the more of the medicines we were gifted we virtually, together, drummed our new creations into being and closed with a song.   

I am very grateful to Sarah for all she gave us. From the drum kits, that were lovingly prepared and ready to go, to the teachings she shared, and the circle she created that allowed us to feel the medicine of community and traditional ways of being. 

Working with Sarah was a gift and her words, and her way of being, will stay with me for a very long time and brought to life every time I sing with the amazing drum she helped me bring to life. Her work was so powerful, that the drum came with a song of celebration, which I have been able to share with my drum Sisters!  

CONNECTION: Although I was not sure how something like this would be on-line  I was surprised at how connected I felt to the other women and our facilitator.  Even in this virtual setting, the space was held in a very sacred way and I still felt connected to everyone in the circle.  

GROUNDED: I really appreciated the traditional check in that grounded us and helped us all to slow down to learn how to make a traditional drum and the important teachings that go along with it.  My spirit is still soaring, 2 days later!  

 
ZOOM PLATFORM: Our facilitator was excellent in her preparation of the packages sent to us with our materials as well as her online instruction.  Although she was new to using the platform she did a great job of trying different things to make it work.  A couple of different camera angles were very helpful so that we could see her hands and what she was teaching us.  I was a beginner, I have never made a drum before and I was able to complete my drum.  I believe this was due to the care and patient teaching of Sarah as well as her encouragement that although this is hard, we can do it.    I am so grateful to have a traditional hide drum that I have made myself.  I hope to have other opportunities to increase this knowledge I have gained as well as share it with others.  
Maarsii poor li prayzaan (thank you for the gift)