A survivor of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Indian Residential School, Norman’s life and work are intimately shaped by his experiences of trauma and resilience. For decades, he kept his past largely private, but the announcement of unmarked graves in 2021 ignited a powerful shift in his storytelling.
At 82 years young, his art of drum-making honours survivors and raises awareness, notably dyeing drums orange to symbolize the Every Child Matters movement and marking them with the number 215, a poignant reminder of those lost. Norman is both artist and elder, sharing his narrative with candour and strength, helping deepen understanding and reconciliation across Canada and around the globe.
Norman recently joined the Red Cross as an Elder, where he is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others by sharing his teachings of healing through the drum.