Classes foster First Nations culture, traditions

A program put on by the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina provides people, especially youngsters, an opportunity to learn drumming and powwow dancing.

Lessons take place two times per week at Scott Collegiate, with one class to work on drumming and the other powwow dancing.

"We attend powwows and ceremonies and gatherings," Russell Paskimen, who was leading the drum circle at Thursday night's class, told CBC News. "We pass on what we learn to people who aren't able to make it, like inner city children. So, it's awakening that spirit that's there. A sense of identity, a sense of belonging."

Paskimen added it is also about passing along cultural heritage to the next generation.

The Friendship Centre receives a portion of its funding from the Community Initiatives Fund, which uses some of the profits from the casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw to support a variety of community activities.