North House Folk School - Courses, Classes, Workshops

On The Building Bed: Birch Bark Canoe Construction

Boatbuilding

Erik Simula

Explore the history, construction and use of the Native American birch bark canoe in this comprehensive, hands-on course. During the course you work as a class toward the construction of bark canoe. You prepare a building bed, sew sheets of bark, insert gunwales, stem pieces and bent ribs. Part history lesson, part apprenticeship, this is a rare learning opportunity for anyone interested in the construction and history of the birch bark canoe. Ethics of harvest and construction skills using only traditional materials, tools and techniques will be emphasized. In an apprenticeship-like setting, Erik will pass along the required skills to create a full-sized bark canoe by following historical building techniques. Students will learn the finishing stages, including pitching the canoe. All students will be encouraged to paddle a finished canoe.

Dates

No classes currently scheduled

Course Details

Length in days:

Hours:

9am-5pm

Tuition:

$255.00 per student (May 1-Oct 31)
$255.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)

Materials:

Included

Levels:

Beginner to Advanced

Age with adult:

14+ (Review age guidelines/policy)

Making it happen:

When should I enroll?
We can't hold classes without students! Decisions regarding course cancellations (as related to minimum enrollment) are made three weeks before the class starts--so if you've got a course in mind, plan ahead and sign up at least three weeks in advance! That way we'll know you're coming, courses are more likely to meet minimum enrollment numbers, and then they'll actually take place.
Also watch for the words "nearly full" next to course dates. When that notation appears it means there are only one or two spots left--so sign up soon!
Do you take last minute registrations?
Of course! Although it's important that courses meet minimum enrollment three weeks before their scheduled start dates, we know that life doesn't always allow for prior planning. As long as there are still spots left in a course we're happy to accept your registration last minute.
When will new course dates be posted?
New course dates are posted both in the spring and fall to coordinate with our course catalog release dates. All the new dates are opened for enrollment on the same day and at the same time, so that everyone gets a fair crack at a spot in the courses they're interested in. As that time rolls around we announce when the new dates will "go live" in our e-newsletter. (sign up here!)

On The Building Bed: Birch Bark Canoe Construction