Métis elder, 83, working to pass on traditional drum-making knowledge to younger generations
CBC News | November 27, 2021
Categories: news
'I'd like to pass on my knowledge — that's the name of the game of being an elder,' says Paul Desrosiers
After more than a decade of passing on his knowledge, a Métis elder gave what he hopes will be his last drum-making workshop to a group of eager learners in Winnipeg on Saturday.
Paul Desrosiers taught about 10 people how to work rawhide, cut holes and weave the strings throughout to make a hand drum on Saturday, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Over the course of the day-long workshop, hosted by Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba, he walked from table to table, passing on his knowledge.
The 83-year-old from St. Malo, Man., has been doing workshops like this for almost 15 years but is now hoping someone else takes up the task.
"I'd like to pass on my knowledge — that's the name of the game of being an elder, so that's why I'm showing these people," he said.
