Men Unite for Wellness at 100 Drums Gathering in Brandon

This weekend, the 100 Men with 100 Drums Summer Gathering is taking place at the Assiniboine Food Forest in Brandon, providing a platform for men to engage in discussions on wellness and emotional health. The event, running from March 15 to March 17, 2024, is designed to foster connections among men from various backgrounds and cultures.

Creating a Safe Space for Healing

Organized by local advocate Jason Gobeil, the gathering aims to address the often-overlooked issues surrounding men’s mental and emotional health. Gobeil emphasized on social media that men frequently struggle alone with their emotions and challenges. He stated, “As men, we often sit alone with our emotions, our frustrations, our difficulties and our voices.” This gathering is intended to create a supportive environment where men can express themselves freely.

The event welcomes participants from all walks of life, regardless of culture, faith, or nationality. Planned activities include drum making, shared meals, nature walks, and various speakers who will address men’s issues and personal growth. Organizers believe that the gathering can help combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

Event Schedule and Activities

The weekend schedule features a series of structured events aimed at promoting connection and healing among attendees. Activities kick off early on Saturday with a pipe ceremony and morning blessings, followed by breakfast and an opening prayer. Participants can engage in a hand drum making workshop and a sweat lodge experience, among others.

Here is a brief overview of the planned activities:

• 8:00 a.m. – Pipe ceremony and morning blessings
• 9:00 a.m. – Registration and breakfast provided
• 10:00 a.m. – Hand drum making workshop
• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch provided
• 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Speakers
• 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Sweat lodge/nature walk/sharing circle
• 6:00 p.m. – Supper provided
• 9:00 p.m. – Extended sharing circle and fireside stories

The event concludes on Sunday with a final speaker session, reflections, and closing prayers, wrapping up at noon. Organizers have noted that the schedule may be subject to change, and attendees are encouraged to check the event’s official Facebook page for updates.

Gobeil’s initiative highlights the pressing need for safe spaces where men can come together to support one another. He remarked, “The need is greater than we knew, and this gathering helps us to explore ways of supporting each other and facilitating a safe space for healing, connecting, and reawakening the inner spirit.”

The gathering not only serves as a space for personal growth but also aims to build a community of support among men, fostering connections that extend beyond the weekend events.