Drumming News
Indigenous drumming is a deeply sacred tradition that has long been used by Indigenous Peoples to promote healing and balance across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Recognizing its importance, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health has partnered with researchers from the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal to scientifically explore how Indigenous drumming supports mental wellbeing.
Drumming, especially with the hand drum (called Dewe-i-gan in Anishinaabe), is more than music—it’s a spiritual connection to culture, community, and the earth. It helps Indigenous Peoples heal from trauma caused by colonization and rebuild cultural identity through shared ceremonies and drum circles.
This collaborative research uses the Two-Eyed Seeing framework, which combines Indigenous ways of knowing with Western scientific methods to create a more complete understanding. The study includes Indigenous oral teachings and narratives alongside scientific tools such as surveys, focus groups, brain imaging (EEG, MRI), and physiological monitoring (heart rate, breathing).
The research focuses on three key areas:
- Health and Wellbeing: Measuring self-reported improvements in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health after drumming sessions.
- Social Connection: Exploring how group drumming strengthens social bonds and community support.
- Cultural Reconnection: Investigating how drumming helps participants reconnect with their heritage and cultural identity.
Importantly, Indigenous partners at Wabano co-lead and co-design the research, ensuring that it respects cultural values and reflects the community’s knowledge and priorities.
This project aims to provide strong evidence for the healing benefits of Indigenous drumming, encouraging greater recognition and support for culturally based health programs. It also represents a new, inclusive approach to mental health research, blending traditional wisdom with modern science.
As Canada continues its path toward Truth and Reconciliation, this work highlights the vital role Indigenous traditions like drumming play in healing and mental wellness for Indigenous peoples and beyond.
Music to prevent and treat mental illness: Conclusion
This joint study is one example of the novel research underway at The Royal’s new Music and Mental Health Research Clinic, which aims to understand how music can impact healing and to develop best practices for using music in preventing and treating mental illness.
The source journal is HERE
