Drumming an identity

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

One Siksika man learned the hard way that even when life gives you an unfair and disadvantageous start, sometimes you’ve got to stay positive, roll with the punches and make the best out of every situation.
Harland Smalleyes, now 22 and originally from Morley, was a miracle baby born with the rare condition of not having ear drums; as a result, Smalleyes is profoundly deaf without the use of hearing aids.
From the age of three and regardless of his condition, Smalleyes was taught to drum and sing by his dad and he hasn’t stopped since.
“It is a lifestyle for me and a huge part of my culture, not just some hobby,” he said. “Drumming is part of my identity. I love to drum because it allows me to express myself through my culture.”
Smalleyes has travelled to several places including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Manitoba, and the Calgary Stampede to showcase his drumming, dancing and singing skills.
Currently, Smalleyes is a Grade 11 student at the Siksika Outreach School. After graduating Grade 12 next year, he plans to attend the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to fulfill his goal of becoming a mechanic.
Previously, Smalleyes dropped out of high school after becoming discouraged at being labelled a special student which involved being put in certain classrooms and not being treated equally with the other children at school.
Thankfully, he was encouraged by his wife to continue his education, and with the support of her and his teachers, Smalleyes is on track to graduating next year.
“Other than that, (this disability) hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love: having my own family and just doing everyday activities,” said Smalleyes who has a nine-month-old son. “I like to stay positive and roll with the punches. I have coped well.”
Although there is a surgery that could cure his hearing, he has chosen to cope with it the way it is, and he is still unsure if surgery will ever be in the cards for him.
Along with drumming and doing dance performances at powwows, Smalleyes has started doing presentations about overcoming adversity, the challenges disabilities can bring and how he overcame his own obstacles.
“I chose to do these presentations because it gives me the opportunity to let youth know there is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to their disability. I’ve gotten very positive feedback from the nation members after my presentations,” said Smalleyes. “I love teaching others who weren’t brought up in their culture like I was. I also hope to teach my son as well.”
A photo of Smalleyes was recently one of three finalists for a spot on the front cover of Canadian Geographic in their July/August 2018 issue. Although the photo of Smalleyes was not selected, he was proud the photo was one of three finalists among the likes of movie star, Eugene Baverock. Smalleyes will also be featured in a two-page article within the issue.
Smalleyes continues to take every opportunity he can to overcome adversity and to build upon his solid and strong foundation of identity. He also continues to maintain cultural traditions and customs while learning as much he can, and continues to stay positive.
“I was born into my culture of powwow, which includes drumming. I enjoy every bit of it, it’s my lifestyle,” said Smalleyes. “I also love helping others and would be more than grateful to have other opportunities to express my own experiences throughout my life with a disability and how I overcame it.”