Theland Kicknosway, drummer who led PM to be sworn in, says 'times have changed'

After leading Justin Trudeau and his cabinet into RideauHall to be sworn in, singing anAnishinaabe song, the 12-year-old drummer whose spirit names are Thunderbird Boy and Sundance Boy says he's amazed by the reaction.

"It's surreal, unbelievable; so many words I can't think of ... It's amazing, an amazing moment," said ThelandKicknoswayof Walpole Island First Nation in southwestern Ontario.

"It's a very cool feeling, a very good feeling to know that our culture and our spirituality is together, that we're still strong, that we can't be forgotten."

It was Kicknosway'ssecond appearance at Rideau Hall; the first was for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission event.

Later Wednesday, Kicknoswaysang and played his hand drum againat a dinner lecture on reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians hosted by former prime minister Joe Clark.

"The feeling, just to be here and be doing all this in a matter of one day, is pretty amazing," he said.

Asked what he wants Canadians and the governmentto know about his culture and his people, Kicknosway said they're not going anywhere and that they will be heard.

"All they really have to know is that we're still here and we're never going to leave, we're not going to be gone, and that times have changed. ... It's time to put our voices together and to stand strong, walk tall," he said.