Two local groups unite for the good of all
Residents urged to help save county parks and Mother Earth
Comet staff report

For many generations it has been foretold the heartbeat of Mother Earth would come together as one voice. In the Native American Community this is becoming a reality as Native American drum groups invite local drum corps, school drum corps and other drummers to come together as one voice, beating in unity, a celebration and prayer for Mother Earth.

Drums will lift prayers and beat in unison throughout the U.S. and the world March 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. Part of this event can be witnessed in Carroll County. The Eel River Tribe of Indiana's drummers, The Massassagans, and the Friends of Carroll County Parks are hosting a portion of "8,000 Drums Across the World" at Deer Creek Park. All area school drum corps and all drummers are invited to the park to play together as one common voice representing the "Heartbeat of Our Mother Earth."

The event is intended to bring awareness of the depletion of natural resources, the disappearance of open spaces, and cultural unity and to highlight the potential loss of the county parks due to budget cuts. Available to all participants is an event tee shirt and a large overhead group photo.

The public is encouraged to attend and share in free hot dogs, chips and soft drinks. There is no admission fee but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will help with maintenance and upkeep of two county parks, Deer Creek and French Post. Contributions to support the event may be as little as spare pocket change. Shirts and photos will be available for a charge while supplies last.

All participating drummers and drum groups should be at Deer Creek Park by 10 a.m. to register for the unique crosscultural event. All drums will begin to play at 12 noon all over the world to raise awareness of the need to preserve Our Mother Earth. The event is to remind everyone that solutions to the world's problems are up to all mankind regardless of race, creed or religion.

"We hope to have 100 drums, or more, of all types attend," said Mike Floyd, Chief of The Eel River Tribe of Indiana. "We are inviting ALL to join us, other regional tribal drums, high school, college, military drum corps and all others who can bring a drum to the park. We will also welcome any school groups or clubs that wish to make their own drums to join this event, helping us save our parks and our Mother Earth."

Contact Floyd by March 15 at (219) 984-5441 or at nativetoamerica@ earthlink.net if you or your group is planning to attend.

"We do not inherit the Earth from our Fathers...We borrow it from our Children" is the tee shirt design.