Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Host Drum-Making Workshop
The program integrates traditional cultural activities into substance abuse recovery and prevention efforts.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Office of Recovery held a drum-making workshop in Oklahoma City to promote healing and community connection. Approximately 70 participants attended the session to learn traditional crafting techniques.
Why it matters
Tribal officials use these cultural engagement programs to support long-term recovery efforts for individuals and the broader community. The workshops aim to preserve tribal heritage while fostering social bonds that aid in the healing process.
The drum-making program has operated for three years with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Participants have created approximately 500 drums during the past two years of the initiative.
The players
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Office of Recovery
This agency manages tribal health initiatives and substance abuse prevention programs for the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse.
Billy Williams
He is a traditional crafter who has been making drums since 1980.
The details
Attendees at the workshop created drums by wrapping felt around sticks and securing them with rawhide straps. The initiative has expanded to multiple locations including El Reno, Watonga, and Clinton over the last three years.
Timeline
1980: Billy Williams learned to make his first drum.
Past three years: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes began hosting drum-making workshops.
October 22, 2026: The Oklahoma City drum-making workshop took place.
The Big Picture
This program aligns with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda. It represents a broader shift toward integrating indigenous cultural identity into standardized behavioral health recovery models.
The program provides participants with a structured environment to engage in cultural practices that may supplement traditional recovery routines. These community-led activities offer individuals a sense of belonging and heritage that can strengthen personal wellness strategies.
The takeaway
Cultural engagement through traditional arts like drum-making serves as a vital component for fostering community connection during recovery. Individuals interested in supporting their own healing process can seek out similar programs that emphasize the intersection of tradition and mental health.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives at the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOSU.
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