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“Distant Drum”: Exploring Métis Identity and Historical Trauma

Angela Lowe

The setting sun shimmers on the water like ripples of gold.
The wide, open land holds all the traditions she knows.
On this night, the moon is high, and stars shine so bright.
Inside her tipi, she lies in peace—
The beat of her heart matches the beat of the drum.
She goes to sleep.

The lake’s blue water matches his eyes as he watches her.
He takes more than innocence–body, mind, and soul.
New life begins without her choosing, her tipi in disarray.
The beat of her head now matches the beat of the drum.
She goes to sleep.

They place the bundle in her arms, wrapped in fur from the land.
His skin so fair, his heart so pure–a new generation is here.
She sees visions of dancing spirits as the drum becomes so faint,
Closes her eyes towards the light, and
She goes to sleep.

The creation of “Distant Drum” reflects on the complex origins of the Métis population, which emerged from unions between Europeans and Indigenous women—unions that were not always consensual and were, in many instances, violent. As someone with Métis heritage, this poem depicts the emotional complexity of navigating mixed identity. Despite being classified as Indigenous, Métis people often face the painful reality of being perceived as “too white to be Indigenous” or “too dark to be white.” These perceptions create significant challenges and feelings of not belonging anywhere completely.

This sense of ethnic separation has brought many difficulties throughout my life, as people often fail to recognize how this feeling of existing between worlds can be deeply isolating. Even though the violent beginnings of Métis culture were not our fault, I still sometimes experience hurtful discrimination from other Indigenous people, a pain that persists across generations.

Poetry Analysis and Creative Process

Indigenous poetry serves as a powerful medium for storytellers to express their culture and traditions through language, revealing how they perceive their lives and the world around them. The identity of Indigenous poets emerges through their choice of words, whether celebrating the richness of cultural traditions or confronting the painful legacy of colonization. These poems carry transformative power, resonating deeply within the hearts of readers and listeners.

Creative Process and Personal Connection

In creating my poetry, I sought to explore how the grizzly bear’s characteristics—bravery, nurturing, and wisdom—connect not only to my own identity but also help ground me in understanding where I am on life’s journey. The most significant challenge I encountered was finding appropriate rhyming words that would maintain the poem’s personal meaning and authenticity. To address this, I drew upon my personal experiences from attending Culture Camp and my knowledge of the Seven Sacred Teachings. I also researched the characteristics of grizzly bears and how they represent strength, courage, and bravery. When needed, I used AI assistance to find meaningful rhyming words that would enhance the audience’s engagement and help them understand the personal significance of these themes.

Universal Themes in Indigenous Literature

Through creating, performing, and studying Indigenous literature from around the world, I have come to understand that despite geographical and cultural differences, Indigenous poets share common experiences of colonization’s effects: loss of traditions, identity, languages, land, and the trauma of displacement. However, Indigenous poets also demonstrate remarkable similarities in their spiritual and cultural foundations. Across different traditions, their work consistently references the Creator, the sacred relationship with land and environment, and the animals that serve as sources of lessons, guidance, protection, and survival.
These shared themes reveal the universal nature of Indigenous experience while celebrating the unique ways different cultures express their resilience and connection to the world around them

About the Author

As a Métis woman, my background significantly influences my writing. Growing up between two cultures has often been challenging, especially when others do not understand how isolating it can feel. Although the problematic history of Métis beginnings was never our choice, I sometimes experience prejudice and discrimination, even from within Indigenous communities—a hurt that has been passed down through generations.

My family history and cultural teachings give my poetry direction, grounding me in a sense of identity, responsibility, and belonging. I have learned that identity is not created in isolation; it is passed down, lived, and strengthened over time. In “Distant Drums,” I explore how identity evolves through family, trauma, and time. The land I am connected to, the stories I was raised with, and the lessons I carry all shape my poetic voice. My work combines my inner emotions with the world around me, reflecting my journey through culture, lived experience, and spirit.

A defining moment in my journey came when I truly connected with my spiritual identity. I realized that the grizzly bear was not just a symbol, but a guide in my life, representing my spirit’s name: Grizzly Bear Woman. This understanding emerged through hardship, healing, and learning to trust my own strength. In my poetry, this moment serves as a reminder that my strength is inherited, my guidance is constant, and my story is part of something greater than myself.

Instructor's Remarks

Another noteworthy poem, “Distant Drum: Exploring Métis Identity and Historical Trauma,” features a refrain structure with three stanzas, each ending with the repeated line “She goes to sleep.” This form creates a ritualistic or ceremonial quality. The shifting symbolism of the drum—representing heartbeat, trauma, and fading life—constructs a haunting narrative arc that honours brutal truths. The repeated line “She goes to sleep” evolves from a sense of peace to dissociation and ultimately death, reflecting the devastating impact of colonization on Indigenous women’s bodies and spirits. This unflinching engagement with historical trauma makes a significant contribution to Indigenous literary discourse and deserves publication. (Dr. Ying Kong)