We Belong to the Drum

By Sandra Lamouche, Azby Whitecalf (Illustrator)

A child finds belonging through the powwow drum at daycare.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 150 ratings

32 pages

$21.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Nikosis feels lost at daycare, missing the familiar rhythms of powwows. Each day, his tears fall as his mother leaves. But when the teachers introduce the powwow drum, everything changes. The drum's heartbeat offers comfort and connection, transforming his experience. Will this new rhythm help Nikosis find his place in the world? Discover how music bridges the gap between home and the unfamiliar in this heartwarming tale of cultural connection and belonging.

From the publisher

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum. Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort. Inspired by her son’s experience–and her family’s love of powwow music and dance–Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

At a glance