Red Drum Motorcycle club raises awareness on National Day of Remembrance

By Kathleen Imbert

WIKWEMIKOONG TERRITORY – Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Center’s lodge welcomed unexpected attenders to the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against women’s drumming and singing evening on Dec 6th.  The Red Drum Motorcycle club dressed in their full regalia, meaning their leathers, joined the Nishnaabe women in raising awareness of violence against women.

The event presented in partnership with the the Wikwemikong Prevention Services, Manitoulin Family Resources, Wikwemikong Library and the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization finished their whole day event with drumming and singing lead by Lisa Osawamik, Brandy Peltier and Dorothy Kennedy, Community Wellness Worker.

“I’m really proud that our young people know what was going on about the ladies who died.

On behalf of our Redrum Motorcycle club, Spirit Island, Mnidoo Mnising, we just wanted to come here and show our support for all the women here and thank you for the beautiful songs” said Robbie Shawana, aka Possum, to the drummers and singers seated around the fire.

“Mary Pheasant, the shelter manager said we should try and do this every two weeks” said Dorothy Kennedy and happy with the turnout, “the more you practise and sing the songs, the more you hear them, the songs stay with you.” If Dorothy can set up the next drumming and singing gathering, it should happen around Dec. 20th, Christmas week, at the Naandewechige-Gamig in Wikwemikong.