< >Poundmaker
The Poundmaker Drum group are a second and third generation drum group with singers from Poundmaker, Saskatchewan and as well as members from other Cree Nations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Presently Poundmaker's singers are related either by blood, through marriage or have been close friends for many years. To re-establish Poundmaker the Tootoosis family has followed the footsteps of "The Drums of Poundmaker" who were established in the late 60's.
Ancestry: First Nations
Genre: Pow Wow - Traditional
Albums
Awards, Nominations & Submissions
| 2010 | Best Pow Wow CD - Traditional | Live | Nominee |
Group Members
Cornell Tootoosis, Clyde Tootoosis, Lyle (Sweet Pea)Tootoosis, Kalyin (Acapi) Tootoosis, Quinton (Magwa) Tootoosis, Troy Tootoosis, Devere Stoke, Greyeagle Cardinal, Merle Yellowbird, Kent Ayoungman, Ben Weenie, Gerlad Baptise, and Chris Scribe. Back up vocals are Cindy Tootoosis, Jody Cardinal, and Melissa Tootoosis
Biography
The Poundmaker Drum group are a second and third generation drum group with singers from Poundmaker, Saskatchewan and as well as members from other Cree Nations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Presently Poundmaker's singers are related either by blood, through marriage or have been close friends for many years. To re-establish Poundmaker the Tootoosis family has followed the footsteps of "The Drums of Poundmaker" who were established in the late 60's.
The drum name Poundmaker was revived in honor of our uncles and grandfather who have inspired and encouraged us to follow the traditional way of living. The “Drums of Poundmaker” was a popular championship drum group in the early days of pow-wow in the 60s and 70s. Across North America “The Drums of Poundmaker” made a name for themselves demonstrating and proudly carrying the original style of singing. It was also revived to honor the man whom our Cree Nation is named after. It is also in honor of the people of Poundmaker whom have supported us.
Poundmaker has become one of the most anticipated "up and coming" groups in pow-wow country. They have been invited to compete as well as host across Canada and the U.S. since their re-birth just 3 years ago. Competing against the top groups in North America Poundmaker has proven that they posses the "stuff" of champions. Although they have placed in a number of big pow-wows the singers remain close to their humble beginnings and maintain the grass roots attitude that keeps the rigors of pow-wow life interesting.
