The Urban Aboriginal Ministry holds a drum circle every Friday at 12:00 PM.
It is my pleasure to offer up this reflection of the UAM Drumming Circle, as requested by
Steven Seegerts.
I have found the UAM Drumming Circle to be a wonderful pathway to prayer and reconciliation. As a non-Indigenous person, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to enter into this Sacred Circle; to experience the peace of the Great Spirit through the use of Cree symbols and ceremonies.
The UAM Drumming Circle is held on Fridays, from noon to 2:00 pm, at St Mary Magdalene’s church. Due to popular demand, Steven will also host additional Circles (as of Feb 10th): Fridays, beginning at 6:00 pm. Sessions are well attended with over a dozen participants. Everyone is welcome! A light, complimentary meal is served after each Circle’s conclusion.
Steven Seegerts sets the tone and leads the Circle. He is a natural teacher and healer.
As we are smudged we are given the opportunity to share our gratitude; to lay down any personal burdens. Steven then offers a teaching related to Indigenous healing. This is followed by the Circle’s Drumming of prayer songs.
For me the Circle has been a channel for personal growth and healing. In fact, I felt so called to participate that I sought my Chaplain’s approval to change my VGH Spiritual Care schedule to accommodate!
I’ve also noticed an interest in the Circle amongst the Inter-faith Spiritual Care Practitioners at VGH; a compliment to Steven’s leadership and a desire to learn about Indigenous Spirituality.
Thanks to Steven’s teachings I have gained a greater understanding, and respect, of the sacredness of Indigenous Spirituality and drumming. I believe this is helping me to be more sensitive to the spiritual needs of my Indigenous patients; and, a better Spiritual Care Practitioner.
Yours in Christ
The Reverend (Deacon) Juanita Clark
