Men Unite for Healing at 100 Drums Gathering in Brandon

This weekend, the 100 Men with 100 Drums Summer Gathering takes place at the Assiniboine Food Forest in Brandon, Canada. Running from August 25 to 27, 2023, this event aims to provide a supportive environment for men to connect, share their experiences, and promote wellness.

Creating a Safe Space for Men

The gathering is designed to address the often-overlooked issues surrounding men’s mental and emotional health. According to Jason Gobeil, the event’s host, this initiative seeks to create a safe space for men to express their emotions. “As men, we often sit alone with our emotions, our frustrations, our difficulties and our voices,” Gobeil stated on social media.

The event invites men from all walks of life, cultures, faiths, and nations to participate. Activities include drum making, shared meals, nature walks, and a series of discussions and speeches aimed at fostering connection and healing. Organizers emphasize the importance of this gathering as a means to create a supportive community for men.

A Schedule of Healing and Connection

The gathering begins today with a variety of planned activities. The schedule includes:

• 8 a.m. – Pipe ceremony and morning blessings; open registration
• 9 a.m. – Registration and breakfast provided
• 9:30 a.m. – Opening prayer and greetings
• 10 a.m. – Hand drum making workshop (registration required)
• 12 p.m. – Lunch provided
• 1 to 3 p.m. – Speakers
• 3 to 5 p.m. – Sweat lodge or nature walk; sharing circle
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Speakers
• 6 p.m. – Supper provided
• 7 to 9 p.m. – Sweat lodge or sharing circle
• 9 to 11 p.m. – Extended sharing circle and fireside stories

The event wraps up on Sunday, August 27, at noon, featuring final reflections and closing ceremonies. Gobeil noted that the gathering is intended to illuminate the need for such spaces, stating, “We continue to light the fire and create a safe circle for men locally in the community.”

For attendees seeking updates or more information, the 100 Men with 100 Drums Summer Gathering Facebook page provides ongoing details about the schedule and any changes.

This gathering is not just an event; it symbolizes a collective effort to address and support men’s emotional health in a society that often neglects it. Through activities that promote sharing and healing, the event seeks to empower men to foster connections and support one another.