An exploration of drum-making and Indigenous masculinity will be the centrepiece of a new exhibit at Brandon University’s Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art.

The exhibit, a collection of photographs created using a community-based research method called photovoice, explores how Indigenous men are connecting to traditional culture by coming together to rediscover drum-making.

Called “A Warrior’s Red Road,” the exhibit will be officially unveiled on Tuesday evening, March 21, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. The evening will include a visual display of photographs, drums, and words of the participants, along with a drumming circle with the men of the Akicita Cante Waste Men’s group. Refreshments will be provided, made with local Indigenous ingredients.

Members of the public are invited to the opening, but are asked to RSVP to Dr. Candice Waddell-Henowitch by email at WaddellC@BrandonU.ca so organizers can prepare for the appropriate number of visitors.

The exhibit will remain up at the Sutherland Gallery, which is open from Wednesday, March 22 through Friday, March 24, from noon until 3 p.m., and Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Dr. Waddell-Henowitch is one of the BU researchers who partnered with the Brandon Friendship Centre and Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services on the project.

“This exhibition brings exploratory research on Indigenous drum making to life. It is so moving to learn from the stories, photographs, videos, and experiences of drum making participants and researchers,” she said. “By seeing the project unfold, and by engaging in the display, everyone from policymakers, program funders, and the whole community will gain a newfound respect and admiration for Indigenous men’s cultural programming and see the importance of supporting this type of work.”

Funding was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canada Research Chairs Program, and Movember.