Aurora Drumline Goes to Prison

CUC's drumline presented a special Black History Month program at Pe Sakastew Centre, a minimum security prison in Hobbema, February 29.   This facility, also called a Healing Lodge, is part of a new concept in federal corrections for Aboriginal offenders.  In the healing lodge, the needs of Aboriginal offenders serving federal sentences are addressed through Aboriginal teachings and ceremonies, contact with Elders and children, and interaction with nature. A holistic philosophy governs the approach, whereby individualized programming is delivered within a context of community interaction, with a focus on preparing for release. 

"The inmates loved the program," said J. R. Ferrer, Director of Communcations.  "After the drumline finished its last number they shouted, 'One more! One more!'"  To show their appreciation the inmates brought out their own ceremonial drums and played them along with the drumline. 

The program CUC presented consisted of:

• A poetry recitation by Marthe Paul, a 2nd year Secondary Education major from Lacombe.
• A short talk about God's desire for people of all cultures to work together by Seth Bussey, a Religious Studies major from Roseneath, ON.
• A saxophone solo by Ted Merceus, a 4th year Biology major from Montreal.
• Other special music provided by Robby Dorelus*, a 2nd year Religious Studies major from Port Saint Lucie, FL, Enoch Attey, a 4th year Music major from Odenton, MD, and other members of the Aurora Drumline. 
• Several numbers performed by the full drumline

*Robby Dorelus is the founder and leader of the the Aurora Drumline.

Robby Dorelus, founder of the Aurora Drumline (in the red shirt) joins with inmates in a drum circle.

Before saying good-bye, CUC students and inmates joined hands and formed a moving circle around the drummers in the centre.