Birchbark Canoe

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Lakeland PBS educates, informs and enriches our viewers.

Our Vision:
Lakeland PBS will be a valued and trusted source of news, entertainment and storytelling that connects and uplifts our diverse region.

[hampuscarlsson]

I'm from Sweden and love traditional woodworking. There is a long tradition of both scandinavians and saami using birchbark for everyday objects, like containers, baskets and shoes etc. We use a lot of similar techniques like spruce roots to bind together the different layers and I just love it when completely different cultures and people "invent" the same things despite beign thousands of miles away. Awesome video and great build!

[robertbolding]

It's youtube that will pass the tradition down to the next generation, anyone could make one of these with the video, men teachers will come and go but this video will live on forever

[michaelvollmer]

Thank you very much for being witness of your work replicating this canoe the original way like generations of native people ( you call them First Nations) had been building them. It was a very impressive video. All the best to all people who had given their best to preserve the history of this classic boat build. Have always save tours and enjoy. Best wishes and greetings from Germany 🇩🇪👍👍😎

[darryllgardiner]

True brotherhood of man, to come together as one, with a singular goal that keeps traditions alive

[joellindow]

This was only of the most lovely pieces of craftsmanship I've had the honor of watching in a very long time. Beautiful work and a rich piece of history and culture kept alive.

[timothypowell]

I really like how good of a teacher he is with all the commentary.

[johntstanley]

Believe in a man.. a man who is true in his efforts. The kindness of his soul is demonstrated in his voice. I wish i could shake your hand. Hug you're neck. Be a part of who you are.

[davidsilverhawk]

Fantastic craftsmanship! Thank you for keeping my peoples knowledge and spirituality

[paulsaliba]

I enjoyed every minute watching the construction of the canoe the way they were built wit hardly any tools no nails or screws
Well done to all those people who worked on it

[felipericketts]

Wow, was that magic I just saw? What a beautiful story you have told. Thanks :-)

[michaelp]

TRUE DELIGHT WATCHING A MASTER CRAFTSMAN UP FRONT AND PERSONABLE! BEAUTIFUL FINISH. THANK YOU!

[hiarken]

I had a Birchbark canoe when I was a kid.
It lasted me up till my 30's, when my neighbor's house burnt down, taking my boat shed, and my canoe with it.
It was like getting kicked in the guts when that happened, but I still have the years of memories, and joy that using that canoe brought me.

[johannobel]

Seeing this canoe "grow" form a skeleton to a piece of art was really amazing. Impressive woodworking skills.

[gregnicholls]

Beautiful to watch craft dissolve in to art. And the art become a utensil.

[KelG-zq]

Incredible video! The canoe is a work of art. I can’t get over how complicated it is.

Our country (USA) has a shameful history when it comes to how we’ve treated indigenous peoples. It’s good to see one of my fellow white men using his skills and the knowledge he’s acquired to give back something that belongs to the Native American people. He’s doing this with respect and humility as he works alongside the people whose culture this amazing technology came from. I think we can learn a lot more than just boat building from this.

[kimberlyscabiniowa]

When I was in junior high school, circa 1973... my sociology class made whale boats out of cardboard. It was such a fun experiment. This looks like an awesome video. Imagine this takes a great deal of patience. Thank you for sharing your video! I am going to sit back with my stove top buttery popcorn and enjoy it! The things I learn from You Tube videos.... loved how you shared about your ancestors and skills that I hope will never become obsolete. As I am watching, I am trying to imagine in my mind, how the Indians made these canoes without all the modern tools and such that you are using. May the young couple have a happy wedding and a beautiful life together! Share your traditions with your children. These are skills that should never die.

[OldGriz]

That's something I get a chuckle from every time I see it. Back in the late 60's a few companies painted aluminum canoes to look like birch bark except the painted it with the white side

[birddog]

Wow this guy is smarter then he looks Lol. one of the best videos I've seen ever. This man knows his tread. What a wonderful thing to do for someone. This guy is a master builder of an all but lost art.

[laurieh]

When the work looks easy....sure sign of great expertise

[visualvictor]

Amazing!!! So honored to have this legend share his great skill and he is so humble. Great video!!!