A traditional Native American tool, the drum, was used to make change among Native American students at Colorado State University. This article will give some history of the drum and its importance to the Native American peoples, the rationale for the use of the drum as an environmental management technique, and the implementation of an environmental change. Drumming was used to bring people together to socialize, pray, and heal. Today, the drum is still used in the same manner as the ancestors used the drum. Many singers still sing the traditional songs and incorporate new songs at social and traditional events.
Singers have different reasons for singing.
One of the main reasons I sing at the drum is to celebrate life and to participate in my culture. Singers also sing to honor the elders who have Passed on before them. Some have grown up in an environment where this is what the family is known for. I would like to provide an example of a song that has been translated. At one time on the Colorado State campus the Native American students were in total disarray with who and what they were to each other.