This unique and one-time comprehensive course will take place in downtown Toronto in an old warehouse studio space, April 2015. Over the course of 3 full weekends, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings sandwiched in between, a 14 foot Algonquin style canoe will be constructed from start to finish. In a vibrant and friendly environment, participants will learn all the skills and techniques, through demonstration and hands-on building, to be able to construct their own birchbark canoe some day. All participants will be given a crooked knife to use and keep. This unique wood-working tool is primary to the construction of the canoe. All are welcome and personal note taking / documenting of the process is encouraged. Spots are very limited (8) so please enquire early. The course begins Saturday April 4 and runs each Saturday and Sunday 12 to 6pm for 3 consecutive weekends, plus 2 Tuesdays and 2 Thursdays 6 to 9pm in between those weekends.
Tom Byers is Metis and has built more than 70 birchbark canoes in a variety of sizes and styles. He is based in Whitefish, Ontario. For more info on Tom and images of some of his canoes go to: www.naturalbirchbarkcanoes.com
The cost of the course is $1,250. To register or for more info contact Brian Hladin at ecorchebrian[at]yahoo.ca.
