REGINA — If you’ve walked past Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) on weekday afternoons, you’ve likely heard the sounds of drumming.
During this time, the Buffalo Boys cultural music program brings together Grades 6 to 8 students to practise traditional First Nations drumming, singing and dancing three times a week.
Established in 2016, the Buffalo Boys began after Evan Whitestar, lead singer and drummer of the group, recognized that traditional First Nations teachings had been taken away from the last generation.
“[We] should have a general history and understanding of this land and the first people who lived on this land. So part of that is learning about the arts and culture of that land, and that drum is in every one of our ceremonies.”
To his knowledge, MTMS is the only educational system to put First Nations drumming into its curriculum, which Whitestar said is an authentic way towards Truth and Reconciliation.
“The investment in the approach we took here, I think it can be a really good model for any other school system that serves First Nation students that wants to do it in a really authentic way.”
The Buffalo Boys often make trips to other schools, events, powwows and other locations around the Regina region, but that didn’t come easy at first for the group.
“People used to [or] communities would say some nasty things when we'd get off the bus,” said an emotional Whitestar.
Despite the hateful comments, the group stood strong.
“We had to take that. We couldn't fight fire with fire because that wasn't the time and place. Those kids are so strong for us.”
Whitestar said the resilience of older members has helped create a path for the current generation to openly embrace their heritage.
Empowering youth:
MTMS Grade 7 student Danelle Benjoe, a drummer in the group, said the Buffalo Boys has helped her feel more confident.
“It really helps you with your confidence, and it heals you a lot, and it just gives you so much comfort and power.”
Benjoe is from the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and joined after growing up watching powwows and cultural exercises.
“I saw a bunch of girls standing and singing by the drum and drumming, and that inspired me to join.”
Fellow Buffalo Boys member, MTMS Grade 8 student, Tayjah Agecoutay, who dances, also said the group helped her with confidence.
“When I was in Grade 6, I was kind of really shy. I didn't want to talk to anybody.”
She said now she speaks out. "It taught me how to live life.”
Agecoutay first joined after witnessing the group practice for the first time.
“When I walked in, the vibe in there just felt so good. And then I remember just seeing people sing, smiling, and laughing.”
Whitestar said investing in youth can lead to a successful life.
“The more we can put back at a young age, empowers them for when they get to high school, when they get to university, to set goals to make some real change in our community.”
After graduating from MTMS, both Agecoutay and Benjoe still plan to attend events with the Buffalo Boys, as they’re more than a group.
“All the people around the drum, I feel as if they're my family, and I have a bunch of comfort and love for them,” said Benjoe.
