TL;DR
Our project, the Black and Indigenous Wellness Series, was a cross-cultural exchange where participants built traditional hand drums and shared in cultural practices.
Details
To highlight the work Creation Grantees are doing in their communities, the Creation Community Grants Team sends out Q&A forms so they can share their experiences creating and carrying out their projects. Today we are featuring responses from Folashade (respondent), Jada, and Bert of Spirit of Kinship.
Community: Toronto, ON
Grant Type: Youth and Community Wellness, supported by Manulife
Q: Tell us about your group and project!
A: Our group, Spirit of Kinship, was formed in early 2024, bringing together members who have shared hand drumming circles since 2019, creating our own drums, painting them, and learning songs and teachings from Knowledge Keepers and Elders across Turtle Island. Folashade, a Métis-Cree and Nigerian traditional hand drummer and registered Social Worker, recently completed her MSW with a specialization in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency. She currently serves as an Indigenous Wellness Counsellor at the University of Toronto. Jada, a mixed Caribbean and Indigenous 2 Spirit communicator, has had a decade-long career in communications ranging from government relations to community engagement. Their work centers on advancing engagement in Indigenous self-governance, queer rights, and racial equity. Bert, a 2 Spirit Anishinaabe artist, who graduated with a BFA from OCAD University’s Indigenous Visual cultures program, explores Indigenous futurisms and storytelling in their multidisciplinary art practice.
Our project, the Black and Indigenous Wellness Series, was a cross-cultural exchange where participants built traditional hand drums and shared in cultural practices. In the first session, artist Rosary Spence shared stories and songs, while in the second session, Folashade led participants in birthing and feasting their drums. In the third session, participants learned Djembe drumming techniques with Walter Maclean, and the fourth session united Djembe, and traditional to Turtle Island hand drumming practices, fostering unity and cultural appreciation. A celebratory feast, honoring the shared experiences and connections built throughout this journey, was held at the end of this project.
“Workshops and spaces like these are so integral for our community! Miigwetch for hosting such a positive space like this to learn and connect with youth.”
Q: As the youth running the project, what impact do you hope it will have?
A: Our group hopes that this Black and Indigenous Wellness Series will have a lasting impact by uplifting solidarity, cultural awareness, and community connections among marginalized youth. By creating a safe, inclusive space for cross-cultural learning, we aimed to empower participants to explore and embrace both African and Indigenous to Turtle Island cultural practices, such as hand drumming and Djembe drumming. Through these sessions, participants developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditions that contribute to mental wellness, while also learning mindfulness and grounding techniques that they can carry forward.
The series bridged the gap between distinct communities, increasing access to culture for Indigenous and Black youth in Toronto. Many participants had never made or played hand drums or Djembe before, and they were excited to learn new songs and teachings. We received positive feedback highlighting the sessions’ welcoming atmosphere and the value of sharing meals together. We believe these workshops provided youth with vital connections to their identities and to one another.
We hope that this project inspires youth to engage with their networks and resources, to seek out support, and to continue empowering cross-cultural unity in their communities. We believe that through highlighting these shared values across traditions, this project has the potential to build a foundation of mutual respect, resilience, and well-being. As one participant shared, “Cross-cultural values and teachings are so integrated and beautiful; we are all relatives!”
Q: What is something you have learned?
A: Through the Black and Indigenous Wellness Series, we learned the impact of cross-cultural exchanges on community building, connection, and personal growth. This project showed us the value of bringing together distinct yet interconnected communities to share cultural practices, like hand drumming and Djembe drumming, in a welcoming space. Participants who had never held or played these instruments before discovered new ways to express themselves, connect with traditions, and experience a sense of belonging.
We also learned that accessibility is key in encouraging meaningful participation. Providing meals and transportation support helped ensure that youth could engage fully without barriers. The heartfelt feedback from participants showed us just how much these accessible, supportive spaces are valued and needed; with folx expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others and engage with cultural practices that support mental wellness.
We realized the power of cultural traditions in enhancing well-being and resilience. By incorporating mindfulness and grounding techniques, participants gained tools for mental health rooted in both Indigenous to Turtle Island and African traditions. The similarities between these traditions highlighted how deeply interconnected our communities are, which inspires unity and mutual respect.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would share with other youth who want to run a project?
A: One piece of advice we’d share with other youth who want to run a project is to be resourceful and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Building a strong network can make all the difference, especially if you’re working with limited resources. For our Black and Indigenous Wellness Series, we faced budget challenges but were able to partner with organizations like Mount Dennis Native Child, which allowed us to provide meals, transportation, and accessible programming for participants.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is also essential. Small gestures, like offering meals and transit passes, can remove barriers for participants and foster a sense of belonging. It’s these thoughtful touches that help participants feel valued and make them more engaged in the project. Remember that community-focused projects have a big impact, and every effort you put into creating connection and cultural exchange can leave lasting impressions. We believe that creating a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and connected are the foundations of a truly meaningful project.
