Birch bark Canoe Build (Part 4)

The birch bark canoe build at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways (6650 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant) was completed on last week when its seams were fully covered with a mixture of spruce pitch, charcoal, and bear grease.  The goal of this event not just to build a canoe, but also to keep the knowledge and teaching related to canoe- building alive in the community.  

I was unable to be there while they completed applying and smoothing the pitch on the seams.  However, I did get to the Ziibiwing Center on Thursday (01 November) to get some pictures of the completed canoe.

The bow and stern were decorated with etching.

This section of the hull had a hole that needed to be patched.

Every seam and other possible leak has been sealed with pitch

Hardwood pegs hold the gunwale caps in place

The final product, waiting for launch.

The Tribe does not want this new canoe to be a museum piece.  Instead they want it to have a life and be used.  Consequently, there is going to be a launching ceremony this Saturday (10 November) at the Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park (5514 E. Airport Rd, Mt. Pleasant).  The event will begin at 10:00AM at the Ziibiwing Center.  Details are listed in the flier below.