Recent Boyle Street resident Sharon Pasula has roots from Lac Ste. Anne. She is Nehiyaw/Métis on her mother’s side.

Sharon’s musical interest began when she was young and her parents bought her a small Spanish guitar. She graduated to an electric guitar in later years and took guitar lessons. After a break of many years, she traded in her electric guitar for an acoustic and began playing gospel music and singing in worship groups.

Life took her attention and when she became more interested in her Indigenous heritage, she purchased a Métis hand drum. “It is Métis because it has a picture of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont,” Pasula says. “Métis typically don’t play a hand drum so this one is unique. I purchased it from the Belcourt Hides store when they were selling out many years ago.” Sharon is learning Indigenous songs and shares them at gatherings along with a prayer.

She recently wrapped her own drum and gave it away. “According to some, this is the traditional way. You give away the first one you wrap and another comes back to you.” Currently, Sharon plays a drum and sings as part of a worship team. “I love it. For me it’s easy to play. I try to make it interesting as well as keep a beat. Singing worship songs on a drum is exhilarating. Besides that, it is easier to carry than a guitar. Unless I start playing a pow wow drum.”

Information provided by Sharon Pasula.