Article #2- Yovana Pataroo

Dugout Canoe - .F Fred Johnson

BY: Yovana Pataroo 

Rating: **

This article discuss the two main dugout canoes that were created by the natives.  These canoes were once known as “War canoes” because of their size and length.   Dugout canoes brought a lot of changes to native hunting practice and society. Although from their long body lengths these canoes were mostly used for trading from coast to coast.

Dugout canoes is a common type of canoe built from large softwood tree such as Cedar, basswood, balsam white and ect , using controlled burning techniques and bone and stone chipping tools to sculpt. The dugout canoes were mostly constructed along the west coast, where water was swarming with sea life. Although there are different variations between the west coast dugouts, two basic design dominated. The Northern canoes used by Tlingit, Tsimshian and Kwakiutl had a rounded hull, flaring sides and a strong sheer along the gunwales rising to the high stern protections. These canoes dominated mostly coastal trade and were mostly used to trade with the mainland First nations. Southern or Chinook canoe was much in demand by Salish and Makah natives. It was V-shaped with flared outsides and a low vertical stem post with a small capped platform. There was a graceful arc that formed as it approached the bow. These massive canoes were mostly designed to trade, whaling and sealing. They could hold up to 40 people.

From this article I have learned a lot about the history of canoes as well as Canada. It has made me think of the hardship needed to construct these canoes in the older days. Also, how in the age the settlers, Natives had used the sea to their advantage in order to trade and transport products. In has made me think of the great advantages that the sea provides us with and the different inventions based upon the use of the sea and ocean.

Johnston, C. Fred. “Dugout Canoe” 25 Oct 2010: Pg.1 “Historica CANADA” Thursday. 16 Oct .2014. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dugout-canoe/