The Effects of Inuit Drum Dancing on Psychosocial Well-Being and Resilience: Productivity and Cultural Competence in an Inuit Settlement

Inuit drum dancing songs have been used to reaffirm kinship ties, decompress from hunting and gathering, and redirect competitive behavior. The Effects of Inuit Drum Dancing on Psychosocial Well-Being and Resilience: Productivity and Cultural Competence in an Inuit Settlement explores the sociocultural context surrounding two forms of traditional Inuit drum dancing in Ulukhaktok, an Inuit settlement in the Canadian Northwest Territories. It argues that drum dance participation has emerged as a way of supporting the psychosocial well-being of the younger population and has resolidified in the community as a platform for reinterpreting local understandings of productivity and cultural competence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Since the dawn of time, Inuit drum dancing songs have been cherished throughout the Arctic regions as a means to strengthen familial bonds, unwind from the demanding challenges of hunting and gathering, and channel competitive energies into constructive outlets. Inuit Drum Dancing: The Effects on Psychosocial Well-Being and Resilience in an Inuit Settlement delves into the sociocultural backdrop of two distinct forms of traditional Inuit drum dancing in Ulukhaktok, an Inuit community situated in the Canadian Northwest Territories. Through the use of case studies and social script analysis, Tim Murray makes a compelling argument that drum dance participation has emerged as a vital means of supporting the psychosocial well-being of the younger members of this community, particularly in the aftermath of colonization.

Chapter 1 explores the profound impact of generational isolation and its subsequent consequences on the lives of settlement youth and young adults. It sheds light on the challenges they face in navigating a rapidly changing world and the ways in which drum dancing has provided them with a means of emotional connection and resilience.

Chapter 2 delves into the strategic deployment of drum dancing as a tactical resource for engaging with elders and fostering intergenerational understanding. It highlights the significance of preserving cultural heritage and the role that drum dancing plays in bridging the gap between generations.

Chapter 3 examines the reemergence of drum dancing within the Ulukhaktok taskscape as a platform for reinterpreting local notions of productivity and cultural competence. It explores how drum dancing has become intertwined with notions of self-efficacy, community building, and social empowerment.

Inuit drum dancing serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Inuit people, who have weathered the storms of history and emerged stronger than ever before. Through their vibrant songs and rhythmic movements, Inuit drum dancers continue to celebrate their culture, preserve their heritage, and promote positive psychosocial well-being within their communities.

This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, resilience, and social change, and offers a roadmap for promoting cultural competence and resilience in other marginalized and underrepresented populations.

Weight: 345g
Dimension: 238 x 159 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793609779