Passing on the Inuit drumming tradition in Nain

A Nunatsiavimuit mother is working to pass along the tradition of Inuit drum dancing, sharing a skill she learned as a teenager that helped strengthen her own identity.

While working as the Illusuak Cultural Centre's manager, Crystal Allen started the 'Little Drummers' group in Nain. Allen now works as the Nunatsiavut government's cultural program manager, but has continued the group in her new role.

"It makes me feel good about my culture and I really, really love it so much," said Martina Dicker, a 10-year-old drum dancer.

Crystal Allen learned how to drum as a teenager, and now is working to teach other youth. (Heidi Atter/CBC)

The group started with a few children and has quickly grown to fill the small tent the group practises in. Allen hopes to expand to have a dedicated indoor practice space in the future.

"It's really powerful. I used to drum dance before, I learned it when I was a teenager," Allen said. "It gave me something to do and something to be proud of, kind of help with my Inuit identity."

An elder from further north came to the community of Nain to teach the tradition when Allen was a teenager. Now, Allen is passing it along to her own child, who is eight years old.

"To be able to share it and be able to see them learn and grow and all the excitement it just warms my heart."

"Drumming makes me feel like a good person," said Ashton, Allan's eight-year-old son.

Crystal Allen hopes the Inuit drumming workshops are a safe place for the youth to talk about anything that may be bothering them, and celebrate their culture. (Heidi Atter/CBC)

Allen hopes the drum dancing workshops also offer a safe space in case the children are facing any troubles with their mental health. Allen said she makes sure the youth know they can always talk to her, or ask her for connections to local counsellors.

"For thousands of years, this is what we do. We share stories, we come together in a space," Allen said. "It's just been passed on for generations."

A group of youth drum on the deck of the Illusuak Cultural Centre in Nain. Crystal Allen is working to get the youth custom cultural coats to perform. (Heidi Atter/CBC)

Allen hopes to have more community members and drum dance instructors teach the group in the future, as they've only learned a few songs so far. She hopes the group can also get more drums in the future to expand and include more children and youth.

"Everyone is welcome and we want you all to have fun. And I encourage all the other kids to pick up the drum and just do it."