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  • One Drum

  • Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet
  • Written by: Richard Wagamese
  • Narrated by: Christian Baskous
  • Length: 4 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (160 ratings)

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One Drum cover art

One Drum

Written by: Richard Wagamese
Narrated by: Christian Baskous
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Publisher's Summary

Fans of Richard Wagamese’s writing will be heartened by the news that the best-selling author left behind a manuscript he’d been working on until shortly before his death in 2017.

In One Drum, Wagamese wrote, “I am not a shaman. Nor am I an elder, a pipe carrier, or a celebrated traditionalist. I am merely one who has trudged the same path many of this human family has - the path of the seeker, called forward by a yearning I have not always understood.”

One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect, and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection. Wagamese believed that there is a shaman in each of us, that we are all teachers, and in the world of the spirit, there is no right way or wrong way.

Writing of neglect, abuse, and loss of identity, Wagamese recalled living on the street, going to jail, drinking too much, feeling rootless and afraid, and then the feeling of hope he gained from connecting with the spiritual ways of his people. He expressed the belief that ceremony has the power to unify and to heal for people of all backgrounds. “When that happens,” he wrote, “we truly become one song and one drum beating together in a common purpose - and we are on the path to being healed.”

One Drum welcomes listeners to unite in ceremony to heal themselves and bring harmony to their lives and communities.

©2019 Estate of Richard Allen Wagamese Gilkinson. Foreword © 2019 Drew Hayden Taylor (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

What listeners say about One Drum

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Engaging and thoughtful

I really enjoyed One Drum. I like the approach of retelling stories that I have heard since a child, but bringing that thoughtful consideration of how they apply to my modern adult life, looking for ways to become more connected to my culture.

The narration is relaxing and comforting. It makes you feel as though you are sitting with a familiar elder.

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4 people found this helpful

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Wisdom of the past which is more relevant today

This naration is part of a life learning of Richard Wagamese. He has done an marvelous job taking his life values of the past and explaining them in a contemporary view. His spiritual life principles transcend all religions and are needed today even more.

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3 people found this helpful

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great listen

loved the way it is told . it captivated me all the way thru. the explanation of the 7 teachings is well put

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A beautiful teaching

This book is wonderfully written and the audiobook does Richard Wagamese great justice. It is an honour to read the stories and have them explained through the eyes of someone that has walked such a diverse and sacred path.
Highly recommend.

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Enlightening

Elegantly written and captivating. This is a book I could read/ listen to to over and over again. I never understood how people could read a book over and over again until now. There is something in here for everyone. Once you have read it, you won’t look at anything without seeing the beauty in everything. Wow! Ahaw. Gegetigo!

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A beautiful guide to healing and reconnecting

I am not exaggerating when I say this book changed my life. As someone who has grappled with lifelong identity issues, and a lack of access to desired cultural connections, this book gave me a starting point for healing and reconnecting to parts of myself that needed to be reawakened. Wagamese writes so beautifully that you become immersed in his stories. His authentic, vulnerable sharing of his own experiences are comforting and give the listener a deep feeling of connection and knowing, especially when they mirror our own personal experiences. This book is a must have for anyone who is wanting to connect with Indigenous cultural teachings and ways of healing.

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Powerful and thought-provoking

It is such a pity that Richard Wagamese did not live long enough to finish this wonderful manuscript with its stories indirect teachings and direct explanations of the seven grandfather teachings of the Ojibwe. The three sections that he did finish are well read/delivered by Christian Baskous.

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captivating

inspiring for those looking for self..for purpose..for life. loved every word. was sad when it ended..wanted more

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A must read!

An incredible book and wonderfully told! This book has been so enriching to my soul. I look forward to reading this over and over again!

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so humbled

on more than one occasion I cried as I listned to the stories being narrated. The baritone or the heavyness in the narrators voice was a really nice compliment.

I loved that the book said and encouraged us to go and share .. using this as a starting point.

I'm going to have to buy a physical copy. there are so many gems in here to carry with me.

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