How the Drum Came to the People - Native American Folktale

The Northwest region of the US includes Oregon, Washington, and parts of the adjacent inland areas. As buffalo played a vital role in the Great Plains for Native people, in the Northwest it was salmon. The people of the coastal regions are great canoe builders, making beautifully carved boats. This story of Salish people illustrates how music brings people together and helps them to express themselves.

A very long time ago, Sun looked down at his people and saw quietness and sadness. So he sent for Coyote, the wise one.

“Coyote I have given my people warmth and light. Why are they still so sad?” asked Sun.

“It’s true you have given them many things, but they do not know how to express themselves. Birds and tress know how to sing, but people don’t.”

“If that is so, then I want you to go back and find a way for people to express themselves.”

Coyote went back down to earth. He walked along the trail wondering how he was going to do it, when he met Beaver. He told him about his encounter with Sun and his wish.

“I know what we can do,” spoke Beaver. “A young hunter has plenty of skin set up in his tipi next to the big hollow stump. We can spread the skin onto the hollow stump.”

They waited for the night and while the young hunter was asleep, they sneaked inside the tipi. Took one of the stretched out skin and put it on the hollow stump and tied it to the stump.

The following morning, when the young hunter woke up, he got angry seeing his skin stretched and tied to a stump. He tried pulling it off the stump, but it was tied so tightly he couldn’t release the skin. He looked around and saw a wooden club on the ground. “If I can’t pull you, then I’ll beat you.” Then he struck the skin and to his surprise, it gave a nice sound. He struck the skin again, but softer this time. The sound touched his heart.

Far down the mountain, the people heard the sound and came running towards it.

“What is that sound?” they asked.

“It is right here,” the young hunter pointed to the stump. “When I strike the dried skin, it gives a sound. Listen.”

He began to beat upon the dried skin. The people listened and their hearts filled with joy. They began to dance and sing.

Up in the sky, Sun listened and smiled. Now he saw happiness.

Source: The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales by James Bruchac and Joseph Bruchac