Pre-requisites

It is required that you attend the Group Class first. In this course you will learn the fundementals of birchbark canoe building. I have found that without this class one will not be able to adequately handle the demands of the Advanced Class.

You will be allowed to bring help

Your assistant will be under your supervision to help you sew, lash, etc. Any questions he/she has must be directed to you. We suggest they attend the Group Class in advance as well.

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.

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 is the camping fee.

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

Camping is free on site. Filtered drinking water is provided. Water for cleaning dishes, etc. is also provided. Free and coin operated showers are available off site - about a 15 minute drive. Supermarkets are 10 to 15 minutes away and a convenience store is a 10 minute walk from the site. Students can arrange amongst themselves times to get groceries and shower. Inexpensive motels are also within a 15 minute drive (about $35 per night and some provide weekly rates). If you camp you will need to bring your own tent, cooking supplies, toiletries, etc.

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, 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. 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 $2850 U.S. A non-refundable deposit of half is required up front. You will then be sent the crooked knife, awl and the book. 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        barkcanoe@earthlink.net e-mail