This unique and one-time comprehensive course will take place in downtown Toronto in an old warehouse studio space, November 2014. Over the course of three 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 so please enquire early. The course begins Saturday Nov. 8 and runs each Saturday and Sunday 12 to 6pm for three consecutive weekends, plus two Tuesdays and two Thursdays 6 to 9pm in between those weekends.
The cost of the course is $1250. To register or for more info contact Brian Hladin ecorchebrian[at]yahoo[dot]ca.
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.
