Alabama State Parks

Three Sisters Byrd

Feast of the South

Traditional Gathering and Drum Feast

Honoring Women’s Drums

The Feast

This community feast is, and has been, a collaborative result that came from a vision of Sharon Big Bird Mountain, out of respect for women singers at the drum. This vision follows the traditional way of Native American drum societies, and part of that vision has been to pass a ceremony of the drum on to other honorable women. It is the goal of this gathering to bring a balance to the circle of this world and to our life, by keeping Native culture alive, instilling a sense of pride and identity in youth, respecting women, and the honoring of Veterans and Elders.

The singers who carry the songs to our people deserve respect as well as recognition. Women’s drums have existed from the beginning of songs and the gift of the drum. Women singers are a community of servants and activists, teachers and students, as well as daughters, sisters and mothers who touch the lives of each person in her community. This circle, of women’s drums, receives strength, support and knowledge from the heart beat of the drum. Each drum group strives to demonstrate a sense of identity and belonging, and to live a life of balance and respect.

The purpose of this celebration is to honor our drums, culture and the strength and creativity of our people. “-from Balancing the Hoop – 2005 – “West” Women’s Society of Drums and Traditional Gathering, Alturas, CA. June 25, 2005

Monday, February 06, 2012 04:45 PM