Students from UGDSB learn to build a canoe from scratch

All natural – the canoe was constructed using completely all natural materials such as birch bark, cedar wood and spruce needles. No manufactured items were used.

Canoe launch – With direction from birch bark canoe builder Chuck Commanda, five students from the Upper Grand District School Board built a canoe from scratch.Students who gathered in the wood shop at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute to complete the nine-day project included, from left: Will, Troy, Avaline, Adison and Aalpi, with Commanda. Students and family members gathered at the Eramosa River on July 28 to see the launch of the canoe. Photos by Paige Peacock

Canoe launch – with direction from birch bark canoe builder Chuck Commanda, five students from the Upper Grand District School Board built a canoe from scratch.

Canoe launch – With direction from birch bark canoe builder Chuck Commanda, five students from the Upper Grand District School Board built a canoe from scratch.

Canoe launch – With direction from birch bark canoe builder Chuck Commanda, five students from the Upper Grand District School Board built a canoe from scratch.

Centre Wellington District High School student Avaline took the canoe for a test ride with Commanda.