Langley's first 24-hour drum is unique experience

The Red Hawk Drummers are hosting a day of drumming, a full day, 24 hours solid.

The 24-hour drum on April 25/26 will be a first for this community and will benefit charity.

The Red Hawk Drummers consists of about 35 drummers that meet regularly to practice. They are Aboriginal Support Workers, elementary and secondary students and parents.

They are inviting the public to attend anytime during the 24-hour event.

“We will be accompanied by a variety of Aboriginal Support Workers and Aboriginal drummers we have invited from all over the Lower Mainland,” said organizer Sheila Jack, an aboriginal support worker with the Langley School District. “We even have a drummer coming from the Okanagan to share songs with us.  I am also told that we will have drummers from Squamish First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation in attendance.”

Red Hawk attended a 24-hour drum last year in the Port Coquitlam School District and it captured their imaginations.

“Upon our return our students wanted to hold their own event,” she explained. “I told them that if they could start a plan we would carry it through.  The following Monday morning they showed up at my desk with 21 pages of notes and the beginning of a plan.”

The students wanted to add a fundraising component and chose to support three causes, including the Canadian Diabetes Association because the disease is growing in the aboriginal community, particularly elders.

The students decided they want the funds to be used to educate people about the disease and health.

As well, people can bring down non-perishable donations which will go to the Langley Food Bank and Basics for Babies

Activities kick off at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 with the opening ceremonies.

“The entire school population will be in attendance for the opening ceremony of the event,” Jack said.

The closing ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

In between, people can enjoy the drumming as well as traditional games and activities. There will be crafts and vendor tables ($25 rental). Bannock tacos and chili will be available as well.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities at the event, contact 24HrDrumLangley@gmail.com. There is also a Facebook page (/24HrDrumLang).