THE Grandmother Drum, a sacred drum from North America, will be visiting the district this week as part of a world tour.

The idea is to drum for our children, grandchildren and future generations to come in what is a seen as a purification and cleansing process, so much so that some listeners claim its sounds have healed them of ear infections.

Known as the Grandmother Drum, it was conceived after was created from a vision by Suraj Holzwarth, known as White Eagle Medicine Woman.

In her vision, 13 female elders from different ethnic groups and tribes throughout the Americas gave instructions for the construction of the drum, which was built by members of the Alaskan community in 2001.

It is always accompanied by elders and spiritual leaders from Native American, now with Hawaiian and Australian Aboriginal elders too.

Over two metres in diameter, the huge drum has an exceptional harmonic range. It is made of over 1,500 strips of cedar and birch wood, 200 inlaid quartz crystals and a single buffalo hide. Most, however, feel a deep sense of inner peace and connection with others.

The purpose claimed by the original 13 elders –“grandmothers”– was to emulate the heartbeat of humanity and in so doing bring peace and greater care of the natural environment. The Grandmother Drum has been heard in over 360 cities around the world, at conferences, festivals and in communities.

The original venue of Carwoola has now been changed to the Scout Hall at Queanbeyan.

[box]“Songlines of a New Earth”, at Scout Hall, 32 Erin Street, Queanbeyan.

Saturday, March 10. 2pm, Welcome to Country, 2.30pm, puppet show “The Magic Bundle Story”, 3.30pm-6pm, Grandmother Drum “Prayerformance”. Cost: $30 adults, children by donation. Bookings not necessary; you are welcome to bring your own drums.

Sunday March 11 10am to 6pm: full day workshops. Cost: $111 per person (bring your own lunch and drinks; urn supplied).

Monday March 12: half day and full day workshops. Reclaiming the Child of Wonder through Art, Meditation & Puppetry and Drum Making Workshop Cost: $55 per person.

Tuesday March 13: private and group healing sessions, various costs.

All bookings to deb@leadershipexcellence.com.au [/box]