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This article is from Today's
Native Father, issue #106, November/December, 1999. Related articles
from this issue: |
Students Bring Bark Canoe Back from Near Extinction |
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The design and technology class at Pelican Falls First Nations HighSchool built shelves, tikanagans and a bark canoe during the past school year. Four different groups were formed for the classes that took place every second day. One group would work individually on tikanagans, another individually on shelves, one group collectively on the canoe and another group preparing the things that are needed for the canoe, like peeling spruce roots and splitting them and bending the ribs. The history of the bark canoe is a part of our heritage. It was the principle means of transportation and without this technology provided by the Native people, Canada could not have developed as it has today. The bark canoe was adapted by Europeans and used to travel inland. It was easily portaged and quickly propelled through the water, a truly amazing technology. Today there are only a handful of people who still build bark canoes. All of our students should consider themselves carriers of this lost art. Many of the students doubted the finished project would float. “I think that canoe is going to sink,” one of the builders said. “But at least I know how to make it.” A paddle around the lake by each of the builders proved the efforts were not in vain. However, the fact that it floats isn’t the only reason the project was valuable. “All through the process I found every step very interesting,” one of the students said. “And I feel that it should be taught in other schools. It was good therapy.” Another student put the experience in historical context. “When it was done, I thought, ‘Oh my! It’s beautiful,’” she said. “It’s sad when you think of how maybe there will never be another one built or seen in the next century.” Written by students of Pelican Falls High School near Sioux Lookout, Ontario. This report is condensed from Wawatay News, May 20, 1999, and used by permissionof Wawatay News. |
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