There are so many things we can do to embrace learning. While attending university, I have found that my focus often falls on obvious sources of knowledge. Lectures and textbooks hold this vast wealth of knowledge, but so do the people from our community.
The UHNBC drum group is this collection of wonderfully inspiring people who share more than Indigenous ways of knowing. The heady feeling brought on by standing together drumming and singing is absolutely unbelievable. Every person in attendance is able to find their own takeaway. So many people find healing in the drum and that is such a powerful way to begin a new journey.
I have spent time focusing on harm reduction, Indigenous education and cultural inclusion. Considering my personal history, I could not ask for a better entrance into education. I look forward to following this path and creating a classroom with a foundation of community support and love.
Photo from: Jennifer Oviatt