P3 Indigenous Paddle Making
Paddle-Making was a necessary skill set and something the original inhabitants of this land perfected over generations. The waterways were the highways of this nation, and our indigenous predecessors traveled the rivers and lakes with skill and grace. The paddle was a means to propel their various types of watercraft across their vast land. Notably, the Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples built various types of watercraft, kayaks, dugout and birch bark canoes, to name a few, to navigate these waterways. These were masterpieces of engineering in their own right. As varied and specific as the watercraft were, so too were the paddles which drove them and it’s the paddle we’re going to look at in this challenge.
The Indigenous groups of our country were and still are gifted artisans, taking what nature offered and transforming it into tools necessary to survive and often thrive in their environment. Today’s generation is seeing a resurgence in the value of these traditional skills, the beauty in them and the importance of passing them on.
For this Skills Canada Saskatchewan Challenge, and in recognition of the history discussed above, we are focused on the paddle. Beautiful in its simplicity and symmetry yet often taken to levels well beyond that of just a simple tool. They originally came in many forms – long, short, narrow, wide, blunt, pointed – were built of wood from a particular region and were personalized specifically for the traditional region in which they were used and the style of paddling for which they were intended, whether that be river, lake, ocean or a combination of. They were also often decorated, sometimes ornately, displaying variations of artwork. In many cases, paddles were works of art. However, in other cases, paddles were simply tools. This challenge focuses on both the skill to shape a paddle and an element of artistic ability to enhance it.
The tools to create these paddles have expanded over time. From simple knives, môhkotâkan (crooked knives) and hatchets being used on the side of the trail or lake to more modern spokeshaves and planers in a workshop. Paddle-makers, like other craftspeople, have adapted and taken advantage of new technologies to hone their craft. However, regardless of the tools and materials being used to shape paddles, the finished products have not altered that much over time, albeit there have been some advances. This challenge allows competitors to use all tools within that spectrum, old and new alike, to create a paddle, from wood. Challengers are encouraged to use any and all tools in ‘their belt’, generally speaking, to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities when shaping a paddle.
Being A Paddle Maker
You most definitely need to be somebody who enjoys working with your hands. If you already like to work with wood, this may be up your alley. Paddle-making also involves an appreciation for a pretty high degree of symmetry in your work. If you appreciate things being even and lining up, this could be for you. Traditionally, symmetry in paddle-making would be taught and learned through years and years of practice – eye-balling it from one stage to another. However, modern tools of measurement are a great advantage in that respect. Being a person who is methodical and pays attention to detail would be an asset in this challenge. As mentioned above, traditional tools are all one needs to make a paddle. However, the use of modern big and small machines has many advantages. Being comfortable with all types of tool and machine use would be a definite advantage. The more tools you are comfortable with the better. Finally, paddle-making is usually an independent/solo project. It’s actually mindfulness to a degree if done properly. The paddle-maker should be driven, confident, focused, able to deal with adversity or setbacks and able to solve problems alone as they arise.
Skills for Success
Creativity and Innovation – Paddle makers will use tools continuously, finding the best way, or perhaps even a new way to achieve the outcome on a paddle they are looking for. They are learning to master a tool in a way which makes the use of the tool and the experience of that tool enjoyable.
Numeracy – Paddle-making focuses on many aspects of math throughout the process. In order to achieve a finished product a paddle-maker will be proud and happy with, they will need to focus on symmetry, geometry and patterning throughout the process. For beginners, and even long timing paddle-makers, starting off with a properly laid out paddle, done so with accurate measurements sets them up for success. Achieving a well-balanced paddle is the goal.
Problem-Solving – Quite often, when working through a paddle, a situation may arise where something may not have gone exactly as planned or you need to try something differently due to a new variable. Examples may be, dealing with a new wood type, knot(s) in the wood or simply a really different grain pattern. Previous experience with other paddle projects used alongside the current situation will help find a solution. Problem solving these situations is often the most satisfying aspect of the paddle-making process.