Mini Canoe Carving Course

Join Elder Tlithl'Kawi / Rupert Scow/ Kwakwaka'wakw artist and wood carver for a day of wood carving, traditional practices.

Open to everyone, these sessions are a place to join art, nature connection, exploration, sharing, song and stories together while learning new skills.

We will gather around the fire at Sunrise Waldorf School, 2148 Lakeside Rd, Duncan, where Tlithl'Kawi / Rupert Scow/ Kwakwaka'wakw has his workshop set up for carving a large canoe. We will be able to see the canoe in the final stages of the carving process, of being soon released into the waters this summer. Rupert Scow will be teaching about carving a canoe.He will be talking about the traditions of the canoe and the big role they played in cultures up and down the coast. He will also show the students how to sharpen the straight knives that are used to carve. After learning about the large canoes, each student will carve a mini canoe out of pine or basswood.

Dress for gathering outdoors around a fire, and bring something warm to sit on. You are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy.

All ages, all skill sets, all backgrounds encouraged. Young children will need to be accompanied by adults for this workshop, as we will be using knives at the discrepancy of the guardian.

Registration: Register early - space is limited to 30 participants. $50 cost includes $25 for materials.

Coast Salish community members can register for free or a reduced rate. No one is turned away for lack of funds. If you would like to request a different amount, please contact sandraspcowichan@gmail.com from Social Planning Cowichan.

About Rupert - Rupert was born in 1957 in Alert Bay, British Columbia. The Scow family, known as “The people of the Bear” is Kwicksuitaineuk from the village of Gwayasdums on Gilford Island, and takes the Bear and Gwayasdum’s crest of the Sisiutl, or double headed sea serpent, as family crests. Rupert comes from a long line of carvers and respected elders, including his great grandfather Mungo Martin and great grandfather Chief Johnny Scow. This wealth of culture instilled a strong sense of heritage in Rupert and his five brothers, all of whom are exceptional carvers. Under the guidance of Wayne Alfred, Vince Shaughnessy, and Stephen Bruce, Rupert began carving cedar in 1991, creating masks, rattles, bowls, poles and transformation masks. Having mastered the art of woodcarving, Rupert completed the Native Education Center’s jewelry course in 2008, and now volunteers his time teaching aspiring First Nations carvers in the lower mainland.

Organizers: The Backyard Sessions are organized by Lila Music Centre with support from BC Arts Council, we are working in partnerships with Sacred Cedar Centre and Quw’utsun’ Cultural Connections Society/Social Planning Cowichan to allow us to provide honoraria to Elders who have made special time to lead each of our sessions.

This event is part of the Quwut’sun’ Elders Series: Backyard Sessions running from May 2024 to July 2025. Join us each month for nature and art-based community discovery and traditional cultural practices led by Knowledge Keepers.