APPENDIX C: CHEROKEE DRUMSTICK RITUAL 153
as there is an emphasis on an “ethic of care” in everyday interactions
and activities.
Step-by-step description of the activity
Depending on whether this activity is conducted in a single
three-hour block of time or over the course of shorter sessions, the
facilitator will need to make appropriate adjustments.
The facilitator should begin with a brief explanation of the
purpose of the group, group rules and the introduction of each
child. The facilitator then invites the children outdoors to experience
nature’s wonders. There should be ample access to a wooded area
with a variety of trees and shrubs, such as beech, birch, oak, maple,
dogwood and rhododendron. The facilitator introduces each species
of tree and shrub to the children, giving them brief explanations of
how certain elements of each were used by indigenous peoples, such
as the sap of a birch tree being used to alleviate pain. Children are
invited to touch the elements of the trees, being made aware that
poison oak, ivy and sumac may be growing up and around the trees.
After allowing the children time to interact with the foliage,
the facilitator guides them in choosing sticks or limbs for making
a drumstick, looking for fallen sticks and limbs around the area. At
this time, the facilitator should give all children a small handful of
sage or cedar chips to spread around the area where the sticks were
removed. The facilitator should explain the importance of how the
sage and cedar represent giving thanks to the trees and earth for
sharing their gifts with us. Thus, the children learn the cycle of giving
thanks and the importance of reciprocity in nature; one should never
take something from nature without giving something back. This
demonstrates the interconnectedness of humans to the natural world;
each is dependent upon the other for living in harmony and balance.
After collecting sticks, the facilitator guides the children to a
work area with all of the materials in order to begin crafting the
individual drumsticks. The facilitator is also participating equally in