In the past this program was to be simply a supervised activity. The student would take the Basic Group class
and then enroll in the Advanced Class where he/she would build his/her own canoe under supervision. However,
most can't afford the time for two classes. In the past I allowed up to 4 students at a time. Since most students
arrive needing to be taught the steps because they had not attended the Basic Class this Advanced Class is now
limited to one student with his/her assistants to build their canoe. The demands are more than just a supervised
activity, it is a program where I teach you and help you build your own canoe. It is offered twice a year - in
the spring and in the late summer. It will be run simultaneous to the Basic Group Class so two canoes, yours and
the groups will be being built.
The canoe will be approximately 14ft long with a single sheet of bark for the
hull, if that bark is available, otherwise it will be a 3 sheet hull. The canoe will be lashed at the thwarts,
the stem pieces and up the gunwale ends from the last thwart to the tip of the gunwale. If you wish to lash the
entire canoe that can be arranged for an additional fee (the cost of the root). You can build an Ojibwe Longnose,
an Oldstyle, or an Abenaki style canoe.
Due to the time demands, cost of shipping raw materials and the scarcity of high quality straight, clear logs
the gunwales, thwarts and ribs will come from sawn lumber stock. Once wood has been convenionally sawn it is
difficult to split and carve. Thus these parts will be sawn and planed. The sheathing and root however will
all be handsplit.
Pre-requisites
As mentioned above it had been our policy that before attending the Advance class you must have attended the
Group Class in order to learn the fundementals of birchbark canoe building. We are waiving this requirement
and in its place would like you to do the Home Study Course (which is included in the tuition), build your own
scale model, send in a photo of the finished canoe and pass a written exam - one in which you can consult your
materials for the answers - a "take home test" By doing this whether successful or not it will get you familiar
with the steps, the thought processes, the terms, etc. of birchbark canoe building. It will make it much easier
for you and your assistant(s) to build your canoe.
Two week program
It takes a skilled builder, who is up to speed, in excess of 200 hours to build a birchbark canoe.
For someone building their first canoe this number can grow considerably.
In order to do the program in two weeks some concessions have to be made.
Rather than lash all of the gunwales - more than 76 groups of lashings - they are screwed together. (Native
builders from the mid 19th century onward often used nails that were clinched over. Clinched nails, while
efficient to apply, are very difficult to remove. Therefore we use screws.) Lashing, including the preparation
of the root, takes about 20 to 30 minutes per group - now multiply this by 76+ lashings and you can see why this
is impossible with the time constraints. Students, back home with plenty of time, can
back out the screws, insert hardwood pegs and lash their canoe without the time pressure.
All the materials are prepared in advance. Again, for a skilled builder it could take a full week to prepare
materials. Therefore you will not be preparing your own materials.
What is Included
You will be provided the prepared materials ready for assembly such as bark, ribs, sheathing, pitch, root, etc..
Also a crooked knife and an awl. The book The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America is also included
as well as the Home Study Program for a 3ft model.
If you fly in we will arrange to pick you up at the airport. Upon completion we can also
help with the arrangements to ship your canoe. Cost to ship varies on where you live.
Cross country should not exceed $350.
Accomodations
Also new to the program was holding it at the shop. Students camped in the back yard. This was very
successful. In the past we camped in a primitive spot and between showering, groceries, cooking, etc., on top of
putting in a hard day of work on the canoe, this proved to be too much for students. At the shop we have everything
to hand as far as tools and groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.,are 5 minutes away. We plan to have
showers and cooking facilities available as well. This arrangement is much more comfortable and allows students
to concentrate on their canoe.
What you will need to bring
Some tools will be provided but students are encouraged to bring the following if they have them: Handsaw, hammer,
rake, utility knife with plenty of blades, a spunge, a pail, a small mill file and a sharpening stone.
Typically this time of year is warm and dry however bring clothes for any weather condition. It is suggested to
have a set or two of work clothes that you can wear day in and day out therefore minimizing the amount of laundry
needed. You will not have time to do laundry during the two weeks. You can then change into something more
comfortable in the evenings.
What to Expect
This class is very demanding - made much easier if you bring an assistant. Building a birchbark canoe is a process
of many tasks - some physically challenging, some tedious, some very technical. The days are long. It is much like
a two week sprint rather than a leisurely stroll. However attitude is everything and if you are passionate about
this subject it will be a pleasure.
Price
The fee is $4495 U.S. A non-refundable deposit of half is required up front. You will then be sent the crooked knife, awl and the book as well as the "home-study kit". 3 months prior to the start let us know the style of canoe you wish to build so that we will begin preparing your materials. Should you not be able to attend, the deposit can be applied to a future course, materials or other products we offer however it is a non-fundable deposit.
For more information or to register call or send us an e-mail
509.327.7902 voice and fax
john@barkcanoe.com e-mail
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