**Katari Taiko Drum Group Association**  
The **Katari Taiko Drum Group Association** is a Canadian nonprofit arts organization (Business Registration Number **118978014RR0001**) and the country’s first modern taiko drumming ensemble. Founded in 1979, the Vancouver-based collective specializes in Japanese percussion performance while fostering cultural education and community engagement.  

### History  
Katari Taiko ("talking drums" in Japanese) emerged during a period of cultural revitalization within the Japanese Canadian community, alongside initiatives like the *Japanese Canadian Centennial Project* and the anthology *Inalienable Rice*. Early members built their own instruments, using materials ranging from wine barrels to custom-ordered drum skins, and developed a collaborative leadership model inspired by Asian Canadian artistic collectives[3][5]. The group’s first public performance occurred in 1981 in Faro, Yukon[3].  

### Activities  
Katari Taiko conducts workshops, school programs, and public performances, emphasizing both traditional rhythms and contemporary adaptations. Its **eight-week introductory courses** teach fundamental techniques while exploring taiko’s historical significance in Japanese Canadian communities[1]. The ensemble has collaborated with groups like Chibi Taiko and Vancouver Okinawa Taiko, including a notable 2014 35th-anniversary concert featuring a salmon-themed collaborative premiere[2][5].  

### Organizational structure  
Operating as a collective, Katari Taiko rotates leadership roles and makes decisions through consensus. Over 70 members have participated since its inception, with alumni remaining active through advisory roles and event support[5]. The group maintains a focus on progressive causes, including environmental advocacy and cross-cultural exchange[4].  

### Cultural significance  
As pioneers of North American taiko, Katari Taiko has influenced the development of Canadian world music scenes. Their work blends discipline, physicality, and artistic innovation to reinterpret Japanese traditions within a multicultural framework[4][5].