'It hurts our hearts': Drummers march after 64-year-old man killed in Selkirk
About 30 people braved the cold to show support
A women's drumming group, a men's drumming group and the Bear Clan held a ceremony Monday night to show community support after the death of a 64-year-old man in Selkirk.
About 30 people braved temperatures of –14 C (but felt more like –23 with the wind chill) to walk — drumming and singing — to the senior's home on Jemima Bay in the city north of Winnipeg.
"Our drums are very healing, the songs are healing and when we come together and show support to help the community, it's been really positive," said Tara Campbell, who helped found Selkirk's Bear Clan and the two drum groups.
RCMP were called to the home on Friday night after first responders noticed "signs of trauma."
The death is being investigated as a homicide.
While Campbell did not know the man who died, she said some participants did. The group also sang and drummed for a 30-year-old man who was killed last week in Selkirk.
"It's shocking, it's shocking of course. All these violent incidents that are coming so close together are kind of shocking and shaking up people," Campbell said.
"But we need to remember that we're a community and when we come together things can change."
Manitoba RCMP have not yet released the 64-year-old man's name, circumstances around his death or whether they have a suspect in custody.
Neighbours told CBC News the man was quiet and walked with a cane.
"It hurts us all. It hurts our hearts," said Drew Stacey, who leads the Howling Wolf drumming group.
A few people who lived along the man's street came outside to join the singers.
"We feel like this community needs that peace — and that sound and that mind — to be able to think that just because these things are happening doesn't mean it's not a safe community to live in," Stacey said.
Campbell said the Bear Clan and drumming groups are available to provide support and promote safety to anyone or area in Selkirk that needs it.
"The drums are healing, it's that heartbeat and that we're all one and we're all supporting each other," Campbell said. "Our songs are very healing. They mean different things, so we're praying also. For peace and for everyone to support each other."