Preview: Building Birchbark Canoes, Steve Cayard Teaches a Wabanaki Tradition

17 Responses So Far to “Building Birchbark Canoes, Steve Cayard Teaches a Wabanaki Tradition”

• 

  Nat Bray says:

  This is a fascinating process with absolutely stunning results. What an amazing tradition to keep alive and pass along! I would be interested to see a video on the hunt for, selection of, and peeling of a tree.

• 

  Robert (Bob) Godfrey says:

  Fantastic!

• 

  peter strietmann says:

  This is an amazing piece on preserving the history of traditional boat building. Thank you for making it. Looking forward to researching more on building skinned boats in North America.

• 

  Michael Mittleman says:

  A beautiful video of a superbly talented craftsman – thanks for sharing.

• 

  Murray Clayton says:

  A great story about Steve Cayard and his work. OCH members might also be interested in the Canadian National Film Board production: “Cesar’s Bark Canoe” http://www.nfb.ca/film/cesars_bark_canoe/

  Cesar Newashish was a member of the Atikamekw First Nation, some of whose members are still active in bark canoe construction.

• 

  John Supan says:

  Beautiful handwork. Video and music, too

• 

  Jason Ehrich says:

  Another wonderful video. Thank you!

• 

  Eric T. Pomber says:

  What is the long term maintenance plan for a birch bark canoe? Do the lashings need to be redone occasionally? Is there anything that can be done to extend the life of the outer skin? What is the expected lifespan of such a craft? Some of the boats in the little slide show appeared to be oiled or are they just wet? Sorry for the barrage of questions but this is terribly interesting. What beautiful boats!

  Eric

• 

  Scott Lundin says:

  Thanks to all at offcenterharbor for providing the fairy dust for all us dreamers.

• 

  Norman McGill says:

  That was a big old birch tree and it died after the bark was removed.I don’t think I like that very much. It’s an interesting build and the canoe is beautiful but the tree still had to die for it. No, I don’t care for that at all.

  • 

    Eric Blake says:

    Norman,
    I’d like to think that all of the trees I have built boats out of in my life are still alive
    These canoes will outlive the birch tree that was sacrificed in their creation for sure

  • 

    Steve Wolfer says:

    Always sad to see an older tree die, but how many dead trees make up the structure you live in? Better to think of the tree as being transformed into a beautiful work of art and a boat.

  • 

    Daniel Asher says:

    Removing the outer layer of bark does not kill the birch tree. There is an inner bark layer that still protects the tree. Eventually the tree regrows a new outer bark. Birch trees whose bark has been removed for canoes or other crafts such as basket have been known to continue living for many years. No need to worry. Other forestry practices and extractive industries are greater cause for concern.

• 

  John Wujack says:

  Thank you, Beautiful artistry.

• 

  Philip Prather says:

  Wow! What incredible skill and knowledge went into these canoes! It is fascinating. Thank you for this!

• 

  Thomas Buzzi says:

  The handwork in this is magnificent! Surely there were not that many of these craft constructed. This fellow is a solid link to our past. The hand/brain connection reminds me of the conundrum “which came first the chicken or the egg”.

• 

  Detlef Duecker says:

  A few years ago, on our way to the Allagash, our canoeing – party guide Jorg Wagner arranged a visit to Steve Cayard`s shop out in the woods. Steve was so kind to give us a tour, talked about his research work, how difficult it is to find an appropriate tree for a good quality bark, showed us his tools and a canoe, he just started to build. We all left with a deep impression how he could save this almost extinct style of building these functional and beautiful birchbark canoes. Thank you again, Steve !