Hearts Beat Together: Uniting Culture Through Rhythm and Drums

Music has long been a universal language, transcending boundaries and bringing people together. As a result, a unique collaboration has emerged in Vancouver, Canada, bridging the vibrant Irish and Indigenous communities that share the land. Formation of the drumming, dancing and storytelling group Hearts Beat not only showcases the power of music in fostering cultural exchange but also highlights the profound connections between two rich musical traditions.

Hearts Beat was initially conceived as an annual event in collaboration between the UBC Learning Exchange and the Carnegie Community Centre. The similar sounding drums created space where members of the Irish and Indigenous communities could come together, share their musical heritage, and explore the commonalities between their cultures. The name of the Indigenous drumming group is lex’wst’:lem which means ‘always singing’ and the name of the Irish traditional group is Ceol Abú which means ‘music forever.’ Together they form Hearts Beat, an initiative that has grown, fostering deeper understanding and mutual respect among musicians.

“I’m here in Vancouver now 37 years, and I’m still always learning about Indigenous cultures,” shares Eilis Courtney, Liaison, Musqueam-UBC Special Projects at UBC. Eilis is originally from Dublin, Ireland. “I see such synergies between the Irish and the Indigenous people in terms of being protective of the language and how important oral history is. We are two cultures that love to share history through stories and sometimes Western cultures dismiss that because it’s not written down or documented in a way they believe it should be.”

“Music has this special way of connecting people. It is not just about the sound; it is everything that comes with it: our stories, our experiences, and all the things that make us who we are,” adds Nicole Bird, Guul kitt jaad “Golden Spruce Woman,” the Indigenous Programs Coordinator for Vancouver’s Carnegie Community Centre. “For me, music is a way of sharing a piece of yourself without saying a word. And that is what makes it so powerful, especially in something like Hearts Beat. When we come together through music, it feels like we’re sharing more than just a song. We are sharing our spirits, our histories, and our cultures. In cultural exchange, music is one of the best connectors. You do not need words to understand what is being shared. From drumming and singing to dancing, it speaks to something inside you. When we listen to each other’s music, it is not just the rhythm you hear—it is the strength, the struggles, and the stories of our people. It’s a way to realize how much we have in common, even if we come from different backgrounds. Music does not just bring us together; it opens our hearts to cultural sharing.”

The Bodhrán and Indigenous Drums: Instruments of Tradition speak the same language. 

Central to this musical collaboration are the traditional drums of both cultures—the Irish bodhrán and Indigenous hand drums. The bodhrán is a frame drum, typically made from a circular wooden frame with a goatskin head, played with a wooden stick called a tipper. It has been an integral part of Irish traditional music for centuries, providing rhythmic accompaniment to dances and songs.

Similarly, Indigenous cultures in North America have a rich tradition of drum-making and playing. Indigenous drums vary in size and design but often feature a wooden frame with an animal hide stretched over it. These drums hold deep spiritual significance, used in ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings to convey stories, prayers, and communal bonds.

“The first time I heard the Bodhrán, I felt it right away – it felt familiar,” shares Nicole. “It was like hearing a heartbeat, like it was calling us together, the same way our hand drums do. I think now how something so simple can connect us so deeply. Both the Bodhrán and our drum have that power to bring people together, to tell stories, and to pass down wisdom. When I heard the Bodhrán, I realized just how much we’re connected in that way. It wasn’t just about the drum itself, but what it represents—the resilience, the strength, and the way our people have always used the beat to stay connected to each other. It made me think about how much we share, even though we come from different places. Our drums speak the same language. They carry the same heart, and that is something pretty powerful.”

The techniques used to play these drums involve intricate hand movements and an acute sense of timing, allowing drummers to express a wide range of emotions and energies. In the context of Hearts Beat, these similarities have become a focal point for exploration. Musicians from both communities have discovered that their drumming traditions, while distinct, resonate in profound ways. This realization has led to collaborations that blend the rhythmic patterns of Irish and Indigenous music, creating a harmonious fusion that celebrates both cultures. Adding dance and traditional costumes has inspired storytelling and connection.

Building Community and Understanding

Beyond the musical collaboration, Hearts Beat has played a significant role in building community and fostering understanding between the Irish and Indigenous populations in Vancouver. Through shared musical experiences, participants have engaged in meaningful dialogues about their histories, struggles, and aspirations. These conversations have led to a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures and have strengthened the bonds between the communities.

Bridging cultural differences requires sensitivity, openness, and a willingness to confront historical injustices. Musicians have navigated complex conversations about cultural appropriation, representation, and the impacts of colonization. These challenges have been opportunities for growth and understanding. By addressing difficult topics, the communities are building a foundation of trust and respect. The music created through Hearts Beat stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both cultures, showcasing their ability to come together and create something beautiful and meaningful.

“The connection between the Irish and Indigenous communities in Vancouver feels like it was meant to be,” explains Nicole. “Both of our communities have been through the impacts of colonization, yet we’ve found ways to keep our traditions, languages, and stories alive in our own ways. The importance of language, storytelling, dance, and song is significant to both cultures—these are the threads that weave us together, passing down knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation. Hearts Beat is a great way to highlight that connection—it shows how our experiences are more alike than we might think. When you see or hear either the Irish Bodhrán or our Indigenous hand drum, both carry the rhythm of our ancestors and speak the same language of resilience. The songs we sing, the dances we share, and the stories we tell all carry the same heartbeat—preserving who we are and where we come from. Hearts Beat is about coming together, sharing a beat, and realizing just how much we’re all connected.”

“Irish people understand the impact of colonization and not being able to play our music [among other injustices],” continues Eilis. “History happened in Ireland in a different yet similar way.  There’s a strong synergy and empathy there. We continue to learn so much from one another.”

The music of Hearts Beat has also resonated with the broader Vancouver population. The City’s Vancouver Music Strategy was approved in 2019 with the insight that music supports urban and community development, diversity and cultural identity, tourism, infrastructure, job creation, and investment. Public performances at CelticFest Vancouver and other community events have drawn diverse audiences, sparking interest in the cultural traditions showcased and inspiring other collaborative projects. By demonstrating the power of music, Hearts Beat serves as a model for other communities seeking to foster unity and understanding.

The collaborative drumming beat exemplifies the transformative power of music as a tool for cultural exchange and community. Through the collaboration of the Irish and Indigenous communities, this initiative offers a unique musical fusion that honors the traditions of both cultures while forging new paths of understanding. The shared rhythms of the bodhrán and Indigenous drums serve as a metaphor for the commonalities that bind all people. Despite our histories and challenges, we can create harmony.

Learn more about Hearts Beat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdVivgiTErs&ab_channel=UBCLearningExchange

Support WISH Vancouver and support Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents https://wish-vancouver.net/

Listen to Indigenous music https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-music-playlists/37-indigenous-canada

Listen to traditional Irish music https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/ceili-house/