The Story of the "215 Drum"
The Story Behind The granting of the “215 Drum” in Ashcroft
When Bishop Clara confirmed her visit to St. Alban’s on March 3rd, I was approached by a long-time teacher in Cache Creek, now living in Ashcroft with a proposal for this meeting…
The teacher, named Karyn, knew Norman Retasket as she taught his grandchildren from Boneparte Reserve #2. She wondered if Bishop Clara would have time to meet and visit with Norman and hear his story. As Karyn had done with me, she suggested that Bishop Clara receive one of Norman’s hand drums. As far as I know, he is the only drum maker who is licenced through Every Child Matters society, to produce the “215 drums”, created in memory of the unmarked graves discovered at the Kamloops Residential School. He continues, to this day to produce drums of every colour and texture but is most proud of the orange 215 drums. His drums are owned by people around the world now.
As Bishop Clara wanted to spend the day in the Ashcroft area, Karyn confirmed that Norm would meet with us and share his story, as well as producing a drum for the Bishop. Plans were put in place but as happens they changed on Sunday morning, when Norm realised that he would actually be in Ashcroft and we would not have to travel to his home, about 45 minutes north of Ashcroft. So, he joined Bishop Clara, Karyn and me for a visit at St. Alban’s on Sunday afternoon. He spent an hour sharing some of his story growing up, in residential school and through his time of recovery from chronic alcoholism. He then presented Bishop Clara an orange 215 drum that St. Alban’s had given her as a gift and a welcome to the Territory and St. Alban’s. The photos show Norman presenting the drum to Bishop Clara, and showing her how to play it. The blessing of this visit and Norman being able to meet us at St. Alban’s was evident in the sharing and discussion over tea and treats.
For more information about Norm please see this Globe and Mail Article: Healing Through Drums