Come and feel that heartbeat calling us to share our voices, stories and teachings with each other.
Thinking about the well-worn phrase "stop and smell the roses", which advises us to make a point of enjoying the beauty of the world and of life itself every now and then.  A good message.
The profound effect these drum circles have.  Hearing the songs and teachings, sharing and listening to each others’ truths, and sounding our drums together fills us with the energy of Mino-bimaadiziwin, that Good Life that is meant for everyone.  It is such a powerful feeling!
In some ways, these drum circles counterbalance some of the other experiences we have with modern living.  For example, gatekeepers, driven by prejudice or a desire for exclusivity, will seek to prevent some people from joining in other activities, but there are no barriers in our circle.  All are welcome.  The drums unite us in a single, shared heartbeat.
We come together in the circle to nourish our spirits through traditional songs and teachings, and to feel the heartbeat of our drums resonating within us and all around us. Everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary.  It’s OK if you don’t have a drum or rattle or sticks; bring your open heart and join our open circle.  There is always room for you!
Apegish apii waabamigooyan  /  Hope to see you then,

One participant said: "Each time I've attended this lovely drum circle I've enjoyed myself. The respect and teachings are true and the people are warm and knowledgeable. Whether you're a seasoned hand drummer, a new kid on the block or wear white hair, you'll fit into the environment because you're made to feel welcomed in the traditional sense of the word "welcomed".

A Message from Elder Francine Desjardins:

As an Indigenous person Equity is a valued principal, although my interpretation is through our ways of raising our children, how we treat each other and our general ways of being.
As our children are gifted to us, they come with their own identity, their own gifts.  We observe and try to identify what these gifts are as they grow into themselves.  We honor and support their talents, gifts they are born with.  If they are part of a clan that doesn’t fit their natural gifts, we’ll seek out the clan or persons that can nurture and guide them.  We value the individual and try to help them become the best they can be.
As a Cultural Advisor, Knowledge Keeper, and Community Grandmother, I’m often requested to facilitate or lead a circle.  Be it a sharing circle, drum circle, or ceremony, we provide a space for all to stand as themselves, to share their truths, and take pride in who they are, without barriers, with an open heart. 
It is part of our ways of being to strive to follow the 7 Sacred Teachings in order to have a good life.  These are: Truth, Humility, Courage, Wisdom, Respect, Generosity, and Love.  Much of these teachings intertwine with each other and guide us to be the best we can be to honour our gifts, to stand proud of who we are, at the same time being part of the sacred circle of life.  We are no more or less important than any being in creation on this Mother Earth.
As we go through life, it is more important to lift someone instead of putting them down.  You never know when you will be in a situation where you are down and need that hand up.  Be kind, supportive and loving.
It is said that when you throw a pebble in a pond, those ripples come back to you.  So, we say, put good things out there, and good things will come back to you.
All My Relations, Niikaniganaw

Follow Lanark Drum Circle’s Facebook page to keep up-to-date on all things Drums.

Trinity’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation:

Trinity strongly believes in Indigenous Reconciliation.  We share our space with the local Lanark Drum Circle to provide a space for them to gather and practice. 
We support indigenous relations in many ways here at Trinity.  Here are just a few of those ways.  On the road to Truth and Reconciliation we read and show a Land Acknowledgement not only at our weekly services, but also at our monthly UCW meetings, our Church Council meetings, and at our Spiritual Leadership-Christian Community meetings.  On the screen that states the land acknowledgement we intentionally put the tree of life, 7 birds within the tree to signify the 7 Sacred Teachings, and a drum.  We always want to hear the teachings and feel the heartbeat.
In addition to sharing our space with Lanark Drum Circle, Trinity also has Orange Shirt Day Service, Red Dress Service each year and have a little red dress in our Sanctuary to remind us that we must continue to Pray, Remember and Protect. 
In April 2024 the United Church of Canada voted and passed Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization.  
Regional councils: Yes: 17 No: 0
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1482 No: 93
If you would like to read more about Remit One and United Church’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation go to National Indigenous Council Responds to the Results of Remit 1 | United Church 44th General Council (generalcouncil44.ca)

Pictured below is Every Child Matters poster, the Little Red Dress that was donated by Flora Riley in memory of her sister that was murdered and a Reconciliation Quilt.