Douglas Pictou and the AGS Drum Group

The Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) drum group has been a staple in the community since the school opened in 1997. Several students have been members of the group over the years. One of these members was Douglas Pictou, the Performing Arts Coordinator at AGS, who has been facilitating the drum group at the school for the last three years.

Pictou first attended AGS when he was 11 years old, and said when he was younger living in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, he didn’t connect to his Mi’gmaw roots until he was introduced to drumming. He said, “When I got here, it was my first introduction, to not just seeing different practices in the culture, but attire, language, displays all over the school. There was a big pride over it.” Being a member of the drum group was important to Pictou at this age, and he started to really embrace his Mi’gmaw identity. He stopped drumming during his teenage years and in his early 20’s, but picked it up again while working with the Listuguj Youth and Family Centre, and eventually in his current role at AGS.

The AGS Drum Group are a group of 10 students ranging from grades 5 to grade 8. They practice twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at recess, and perform at school events, community events, and at other schools in the area.  Every year Pictou reaches out to previous members to see if they would like to re-join, and for remaining spots, a sign-up sheet is posted in the school.

Although the drum group can be seen as a fun extracurricular activity, it’s much more than that. It’s a respected ceremonial practice that needs to be taken seriously. Pictou said, “I have certain philosophies, disciplines and protocols that were taught to me over the years, and these are the same things that I implement with the students.” It’s important for the students to show commitment, dedication and recognize the spirit of the drum.  Pictou talked about the importance of proper enunciation when it comes to singing and performing. He coaches the students to ensure they are sounding everything out, and using their tongue, lips and teeth.

What sets the AGS Drum Group apart from other drum groups are female members. Pictou said, “One of the big things that was talked about when I first started was, ‘Are you going to let females in your group?’ Traditionally that is not a thing we do.” Traditionally, women made drums for men to use as medicine and to heal and chant.  Pictou went around the school speaking to Elders asking their opinion on allowing females in the group. Ultimately Pictou decided that he would let females join the drum group. For the past two years, the AGS Drum Group has had female members, who demonstrate pride and treat the role with earnestness.

This year, there are two leaders: Makayla Barnaby and Levi Isaac. The leaders are responsible for controlling the honour beats, supporting fellow group members, and just being a team leader overall. It is important for all group members to conduct themselves in school and be respectful, as they must hold themselves to a high standard when being a part of the group.

When it comes to teaching and mentoring the students, Pictou said, “I love doing events with them, especially when I can kind of sit back and watch them conduct themselves. It makes me proud of them.” He hopes that the students will take the knowledge and perseverance and apply them in the future when they leave AGS.

AGS Drum Group 2024-2025 School Year:

Levi Isaac
Makayla Barnaby
Charlie Drapeau
Pasmay Paul
Bethany Martin
Hendrix Bear
Alex Morrison
Vaan Barnaby
Keegan George

By Ann Marie Jacques