SCHOOLS
INVITE MARCEL INTO YOUR SCHOOL
"I was raised off the land following my ancestor's ways. The Birch Bark Canoe is
one of the gifts my ancestors shared with yours over 400 years ago."
Marcel will go to your school to speak to your students about his Metis way of life.
He shares childhood stories and events about growing up in the forest of Northern
Ontario. His demonstration includes a full size traditional birch bark canoe that
was commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council. He also brings and demonstrates all
the materials and tools used in the construction process. Upon request Marcel can
precut bark in the shape of miniature canoes and trim roots which the students assemble
into a mini canoe. Everyone gets to take a mini canoe home with them.
New Mini Canoe Builders
Presentation outline
It is a great pleasure to share my story with you and your students. Being Metis,
about half my way of thinking is from an Aboriginal perspective. My goal is to demonstrate
to your students how important it is to listen, learn and observe whatever the subject.
When looking for someone to teach me how to build birch bark canoes the traditional
way, it was impossible for me to find anyone. Unfortunately it is a dying art. My
way of life on the trap line allowed me to know a lot about where the material could
be found. In day dreaming, sleeping over it, many of my childhood memories came
back. I remembered as a child helping grandpa repairing canoes. Pealing birch bark
to make a moose call. Digging out roots to tie poles together. Using spruce gum
to patch leaky containers. The information I had gathered over a life time included
knowledge from my ancestors. Although I could not find a living soul to show me
how, by listening to elders’ stories, smelling the wood in order to identify it,
feeling it, learning about how and when bark is peeled, roots and wood can be used:
I accomplished my dream of regaining that part of my culture. I build beautiful
pieces of aboriginal art. You can feel them. If you listen closely, it’ll talk to
you.
This is what I want to leave to your students. Learn everything you can. Absorb
like a sponge. Pay attention. You will need it some day.
Mohawk Immersion Class at Six Nations
Primary and secondary school demonstration
-
- Introduction.
- Geographic location of traditional land.
- History on traditional use of birch tree.
- Description of materials needed, harvesting.
- Question Period.
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes.
40 students
Contact:
Marcel Labelle
Box 178
Arthur, Ontario
519-848-3804
Mahi_gan@hotmail.com