On Monday, July 22, the Nechako Youth Treatment Program received a meaningful gift: four handmade traditional drums. Roland Hillier, a 70-year-old drum maker and member of the UHNBC Drummers Group, crafted the drums using goat hide stretched over cedar frames for two of them, and bison hide over cedar for the other two.
Wesley Mitchell, founder of the UHNBC Drummers Group, explained the significance of the gift: “We want to share a lot of love with the youth during their journey. The drumbeat is medicine and we want to bring Indigenous culture and love to these young people.”
The Nechako Youth Treatment Program offers inpatient mental health assessments, substance use management, detoxification, and treatment for individuals aged 13 to 18. Mitchell emphasized the cultural and emotional value of the drums: “The drum is a connection to the creator and our ancestors, offering healing and clarity. The feeling of the drumbeat vibrates through your body and the space, fostering a connection among us.”
Hillier, who focused solely on creating the drums, shared his process: “I made the drums and then released them with a prayer. Spirit will take it and make it happen.”
Hillier’s motivation for gifting the drums is deeply personal. “I made many mistakes when I was younger and see these kids taking responsibility for their health, which I admire. I want to encourage them to keep moving forward. The drum vibrations do miraculous things,” he said.
Mitchell also highlighted the drums’ role in helping the youth reconnect with their inner selves: “The drumbeat is their voice and their prayer. It helps center their scattered thoughts and guides them back to their heart.”
During the drum presentation, a small group of mental health and addiction healthcare workers, including Adaora Onwuliri from Northern Health, attended the event. “Receiving these drums is a huge blessing for the youth, especially during their treatment. Although we only had one youth present that night, it was an honor to accept the drums on their behalf. I’m sure they will be thrilled to see them,” Onwuliri said.
