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The Grandfather Drum

By: Thunderstone Pictures



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This title expired February 28th, 2024

The drum is very much a part of the social and spiritual fabric of life in the First Nation, Metis and Inuit culture. The drum healed people for many years until Christianity was introduced to the community and colonialism became the new reality. The drum represents the heartbeat of the community. Beautifully crafted animation combines with masterful storytelling in Anishinaabe filmmaker Michelle Derosier's film about a magic drum. For the Anishinabek, the drum is a revered object that brings healing. With this particular drum, now part of a museum collection, The Grandfather Drum is a timely film about the dispossession of Indigenous ceremonial artifacts. The film tells the true story of a First Nations elder. After his grandson dies, Naamowin builds a healing drum to restore balance and connection to his community. The program explores the heritage of colonialism and the subsequent trauma still deeply affecting First Nations communities. ** Most of this video is narrated in the Anishinaabe – Ojibwe language with English subtitles. ** Michelle Derosier (Anishinaabe) is from Migisi Sahgaigan, (Eagle Lake First Nation) in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. She is co-owner of Thunderstone Pictures Inc. and co-founder and past Festival Director of the Biindigaate Indigenous Film Festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Running Time: 13:00
Producer: Thunderstone Pictures
Product Code: TP0000
Release Year: 2016
Language: English
Subjects: Arts, Canadian Social Studies, First Nations Studies, Music, Social Studies


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