A revival of traditional canoe carving and other native arts has taken place in many Native communities in the past several years and The Center For Wooden Boats is proud to be a part of this revitalization. Last year, the Steve Philipp was launched, a 24’ canoe carved at CWB by several youth and community groups, under the guidance of Sāādūūts, our Artist-in-Residence. Come by and visit our new Honor Pole, gifted to us, in honor of Sāādūūts, by the Tlingit tribe of Kwalock, Alaska, in recognition of a canoe given to them.

Cedar Rope Making (in Partnership with NNABA)
Instructor: Theresa Parker
Session 1: April 12, 2008
Session 2: November 8, 2008
(Saturday)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 members / $35 nonmembers
Cedar rope has been used for many different things, including making thread for sample knots and cordage for traditional necklaces. Learn the traditional technique of fine cedar rope making. This technique may also be used for making fine thread from cedar or stinging nettles. Come experience the many uses of Western Red Cedar.
Limit: 10 students

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Cedar Hat Making (in Partnership with NNABA)
Instructor: Kippie Joe
Session 1: May 31, 2008
Session 2: October 11, 2008
(Saturday)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 members / $140 nonmembers
Conical hats to keep off the Pacific Northwest rains - and the sun, too, when it’s out! Using the methods traditionally used by our ancestors, learn to create and weave your very own Western Red Cedar hat.
Limit: 12 students

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Haida Canoe Carving
Sundays
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dugout canoes of the Northwest Native Peoples are considered the flowers of the sea. The canoe had an importance far beyond mere utilitarian use and was a connecting link between all social and economic levels. Carving a canoe was considered the highest achievement of a carver. The canoe is a metaphor for community, where everyone works together. Work alongside Haida carver Sāādūūts, who is Artist-in-Residence at The Center for Wooden Boats and learn about traditional Haida canoe making and canoe culture. Currently a 37’ log is in the early stages of being carved. The log was gifted to us by the United Indians of All Tribes. Everyone is welcome to come help carve, meet Sāādūūts, and become part of the canoe family.

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Native Style Paddle Making
Instructor: Sāādūūts
Session 1: May 17 & 18, 2008
Session 2: October 4 & 5, 2008
(Saturday)
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $225 members / $270 nonmembers
Sāādūūts, CWB’s Master Carver and Artist-in-Residence, will lead a two-day class on traditional Haida style paddle making. The Haida, of the Queen Charlotte Islands and Southeast Alaska, have fascinated all who have visited them, from the first travelers and explorers of the late eighteenth century to the anthropologists of the present. To early visitors, the Haida presented a culture with complex social organization and rich artistic expression, which displayed a fine and fulfilling balance between man and the natural and supernatural worlds. Haida paddles are shaped to represent the connection with the earth and water and represent the understanding of balance and living. Sāādūūts will talk about the origins and uses of various native paddles (including the “whale’s tail”!) and how the paddles work to balance the canoe. Students will learn about the different properties of wood used to make paddles and will be guided through the
processes of layout and the use of hand and power tools to shape the paddle. Paddle patterns and finishes will be discussed. Take home a canoe paddle to finish or decorate as you like.
Limit: 6 students

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