One Drum
by Richard Wagamese
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"Fans of Richard Wagamese's writing will be heartened by the news that the bestselling author left behind a manuscript he'd been working on until shortly before his death in 2017. One Drum welcomes readers to unite in ceremony to heal themselves and bring harmony to their lives and communities. In One Drum, Wagamese wrote, 'I am not a shaman. Nor am I an elder, a pipe carrier, or a celebrated traditionalist. I am merely one who has trudged the same path many of this human family has--the show more path of the seeker, called forward by a yearning I have not always understood.' One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection. Wagamese believed that there is a shaman in each of us, and we are all teachers and in the world of the spirit there is no right way or wrong way. Writing of neglect, abuse and loss of identity, Wagamese recalled living on the street, going to jail, drinking too much, feeling rootless and afraid, and then the feeling of hope he gained from connecting with the spiritual ways of his people. He expressed the belief that ceremony has the power to unify and to heal for people of all backgrounds. 'When that happens,' he wrote, 'we truly become one song and one drum beating together in a common purpose--and we are on the path to being healed.'"-- show lessTags
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The most profound truth in the universe is this: we are all one drum and we need each other
At the time of his death, Ojibway author, Richard Wagamese had been working on this book, One Drum, in which he planned to share stories and ceremonies illustrating the Seven Grandfather teachings, the foundations of Ojibway teachings. Sadly, he was only able to complete three before he passed but his writings about them are beautiful, moving, and profound. He illustrates each with a story based on Ojibway lore as well as examples from his own life. He describes four ceremonies that all people can perform to help them better connect with the planet. There are also photographs that add to the quiet wisdom of the book.
This is a fairly short book show more and, understandably, ends somewhat abruptly and open-ended. I could easily have read it quickly but instead, I read it slowly savouring the beauty of Wagamese's writing and because there is so much here to absorb.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Douglas & McIntyre for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review show less
At the time of his death, Ojibway author, Richard Wagamese had been working on this book, One Drum, in which he planned to share stories and ceremonies illustrating the Seven Grandfather teachings, the foundations of Ojibway teachings. Sadly, he was only able to complete three before he passed but his writings about them are beautiful, moving, and profound. He illustrates each with a story based on Ojibway lore as well as examples from his own life. He describes four ceremonies that all people can perform to help them better connect with the planet. There are also photographs that add to the quiet wisdom of the book.
This is a fairly short book show more and, understandably, ends somewhat abruptly and open-ended. I could easily have read it quickly but instead, I read it slowly savouring the beauty of Wagamese's writing and because there is so much here to absorb.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Douglas & McIntyre for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review show less
A beautiful book to hold, touch, feel and if course to read and digest. Thank you Richard Wagamese, may your memory be a blessing.
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Globe and Mail | Canadian Non-Fiction: July 2, 2022
10 works; 1 member
Author Information
22+ Works 3,426 Members
Canadian author Richard Wagamese was one of the leading indigenous writers in North America. He began his writing career in 1979, first as a journalist and then as a radio and television broadcaster. In 1991, he became the first indigenous writer to win a National Newspaper Award for column writing. His debut novel, Keeper 'n Me, won the Alberta show more Writers Guild's Best Novel Award in 1994. His other books included A Quality of Light, Ragged Company, One Native Life, The Next Sure Thing, Indian Horse, Him Standing, and Medicine Walk. He also published an anthology of his newspaper columns entitled The Terrible Summer, a collection of poetry entitled Runaway Dreams, and a memoir entitled For Joshua: An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son. He won the Canadian Authors Association Award for Fiction in 2007 for Dream Wheels and the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature in 2011 for his memoir One Story, One Song. He was also the 2012 recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Media and Communications and the 2013 recipient of the Canada Council on the Arts Molson Prize. He died on March 10, 2017 at the age of 61. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- One Drum
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- Members
- 91
- Popularity
- 353,474
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (4.39)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 6
- ASINs
- 1
