The drum is very much a part of the social and spiritual fabric of life in the First Nation, Metis and Inuit culture. The drum healed people for many years until Christianity was introduced to the community and colonialism became the new reality. The drum represents the heartbeat of the community.

Beautifully crafted animation combines with masterful storytelling in Anishinaabe filmmaker Michelle Derosier's film about a magic drum. For the Anishinabek, the drum is a revered object that brings healing. With this particular drum, now part of a museum collection, The Grandfather Drum is a timely film about the dispossession of Indigenous ceremonial artifacts. The film tells the true story of a First Nations elder. After his grandson dies, Naamowin builds a healing drum to restore balance and connection to his community. The program explores the heritage of colonialism and the subsequent trauma still deeply affecting First Nations communities.

English subtitles when narration is Anishinaabe – Ojibwe

Michelle Derosier (Anishinaabe) is from Migisi Sahgaigan, (Eagle Lake First Nation) in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. She is co-owner of Thunderstone Pictures Inc. and co-founder and past Festival Director of the Biindigaate Indigenous Film Festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario