Miishumis Assin
About Grandfather Stone
Miishumis Assin
Grandfather Stone — Anishinaabe
Grandfather Stone — Miishumis Assin in the Anishinaabe language — is a Treaty 2 drum group. We are a collective of singers with different backgrounds and lived experiences who have come together through our love and respect for the drum.
For us, the drum is much more than an instrument. It represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth and holds an important place in Indigenous culture, ceremony, and community. It is carried into Sundance and other traditional gatherings — pipe, naming, healing ceremonies, and feasts — where songs are offered through prayer, honouring, and bringing people together.
Through the drum, we find identity, culture, strength, healing, brotherhood, and connection.
Drum Carrier
Richard McKay
Ricky · Spirit Name: Walking Buffalo · Eagle Clan
Grandfather Stone was founded by Richard McKay — known as Ricky — who serves as the group's drum carrier. Ricky is from Ebb and Flow First Nation in Treaty 2 Territory.
His Spirit Name is Walking Buffalo, and he is from the Eagle Clan. His McKay family lineage settled in Crane River, Manitoba, and he grew up in Brandon and Winnipeg.
Brotherhood
Built on Respect
The drum has brought our singers together in ways we never experienced growing up. It has created a brotherhood built on respect, support, encouragement, and a commitment to living a good and healthy life.
We travel together, share our gifts and talents, and connect with communities and people who invite us to share those gifts. When people gather around the drum, there is no room for judgment — only the responsibility to support one another, honour one another, and carry ourselves in a good way.
Our Responsibility
Carrying the Songs Forward
As singers and ambassadors of the drum, Grandfather Stone carries a responsibility to honour the teachings left to us by our Ancestors. We do our best to care for the drum, respect the songs, and carry those songs forward in a good way for the generations who come after us.
The drum teaches us that when you look after the drum, the drum looks after you. What you put into the drum, you receive back.
Grandfather Stone is proud to carry the songs, teachings, and spirit of the drum wherever we are invited to share them.
Aho.
Invite Us to Your Community
Grandfather Stone is available for cultural events, ceremonies, school visits, and community gatherings. We are honoured to share the drum with all who welcome us.