From July 23 to Aug. 1, the Nak’azdli Sa Na’angus Whuhoduleh Centre warmly welcomed Vernon’s esteemed canoe carver, Frank Marchand, for a unique cultural project. Marchand was invited not only to craft a traditional canoe, but also to engage the local community in the intricate art of canoe carving.<\/p>\n
This project allowed residents to observe the process, ask insightful questions and connect with their cultural heritage through the expertise of a skilled artist.<\/p>\n
The project holds significant personal meaning for Marchand. In 1979, his father carved the last known canoe in the area.<\/p>\n
That canoe was donated to the Fort St. James National Historic Park, where it remained on display outdoors until weather conditions necessitated its removal. Marchand expressed his deep honour in returning to the same site his father once worked, continuing the legacy many decades later.<\/p>\n
The canoe is being crafted from a locally sourced cottonwood tree, felled last winter. Due to the substantial weight and necessary drying period of the wood, Marchand plans to return in the fall to complete the sanding and finishing touches.<\/p>\n
He anticipates launching the canoe into the water once the final stages are complete. The entire carving process typically takes Marchand 12 to 15 days, contingent on weather conditions. During his recent visit, the region experienced its hottest temperatures of the year, prompting early morning sessions to avoid the heat.<\/p>\n
This endeavour not only celebrates a rich cultural tradition but also strengthens the bonds between the Nak’azdli Whut’en community and their heritage. As the project moves forward, the community eagerly anticipates the moment when the canoe will finally glide across the water, symbolizing a vibrant connection between past and present generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Esteemed canoe carver, Frank Marchand, is carving a traditional canoe for the area<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":137612,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,6,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-regional-news","category-top-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n