Biiskaabe Zaa'emaanag Birchbark Canoe Project
The Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag (Return of the Salmon) Birchbark Canoe Project, was a 10-day immersive workshop led by Algonquin Knowledge Keeper & Master Birchbark Canoe Builder, Chuck Commanda and Apprentice Birchbark Canoe Builder, Amberly Quakegesic.
Chuck Commanda, grandson of renowned Algonquin Elders William and Mary Commanda, and apprentice birchbark canoe builder Amberly Quakegesic focused on the harvesting of natural material and construction of a traditional birchbark canoe as a living process of intergenerational knowledge transmission. Chuck carries forward teachings received through his family lineage, bringing William and Mary Commanda’s knowledge into the canoe-building process.
Taking place from August 3-14, 2026 at the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health’s Askaakamigokwewigamig (Mother Earth Learning Lodge) at the New College Quad at the University of Toronto and the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Ontario, this gathering brought together Indigenous knowledge keepers, community members and supporters in an urban learning space.
Guests participants learned traditional canoe-building practices using harvested birchbark, spruce roots, cedar, ironwood, white ash, and natural spruce gum sealant while engaging in this process.
The community was involved in collaborative building towards a canoe birthing at the Humber River, Toronto. The canoe was named Migizi-Ningwii’ganak (Eagle Wings) named by Chuck Commanda and Na-Me-Res Oskabewis: Anishnabemowin Teacher John Roy.
Red Pepper Spectacle Arts extends its sincere gratitude to Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Grandmother Shirley Gillis-Kendall; and Knowledge Practitioner, Dr. Debby Wilson Danard, and Spirit Wind Women’s Hand Drum Group, also to the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, and Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Ontario for their generous partnership and support of Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag - Birchbark Canoe Project.
Special thanks to the Principal’s Office, New College at the University of Toronto.
Also thanks to Canada Council for the Arts - Explore and Create - Concept to Realization for Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag: 2nd Iteration Project.
Chuck Commanda, grandson of renowned Algonquin Elders William and Mary Commanda, and apprentice birchbark canoe builder Amberly Quakegesic focused on the harvesting of natural material and construction of a traditional birchbark canoe as a living process of intergenerational knowledge transmission. Chuck carries forward teachings received through his family lineage, bringing William and Mary Commanda’s knowledge into the canoe-building process.
Taking place from August 3-14, 2026 at the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health’s Askaakamigokwewigamig (Mother Earth Learning Lodge) at the New College Quad at the University of Toronto and the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Ontario, this gathering brought together Indigenous knowledge keepers, community members and supporters in an urban learning space.
Guests participants learned traditional canoe-building practices using harvested birchbark, spruce roots, cedar, ironwood, white ash, and natural spruce gum sealant while engaging in this process.
The community was involved in collaborative building towards a canoe birthing at the Humber River, Toronto. The canoe was named Migizi-Ningwii’ganak (Eagle Wings) named by Chuck Commanda and Na-Me-Res Oskabewis: Anishnabemowin Teacher John Roy.
Red Pepper Spectacle Arts extends its sincere gratitude to Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Grandmother Shirley Gillis-Kendall; and Knowledge Practitioner, Dr. Debby Wilson Danard, and Spirit Wind Women’s Hand Drum Group, also to the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, and Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Ontario for their generous partnership and support of Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag - Birchbark Canoe Project.
Special thanks to the Principal’s Office, New College at the University of Toronto.
Also thanks to Canada Council for the Arts - Explore and Create - Concept to Realization for Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag: 2nd Iteration Project.
Chuck Commanda
Algonquin Knowledge Keeper & Master Birchbark Canoe Builder
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Chuck Commanda is an Algonquin Knowledge Keeper, Master Birchbark Canoe Builder, educator, and cultural mentor from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in Quebec. He learned the ancient tradition of birchbark canoe building from his grandparents, William and Mary Commanda, and has dedicated his life to carrying their teachings forward.
For decades, Chuck has shared this living tradition with youth, schools, Indigenous communities, and the broader public through hands-on, land-based learning. His teachings extend beyond canoe building to include the Seven Fires Prophecy, the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings, natural law, environmental stewardship, and the impacts of climate change on the lands and materials that sustain Indigenous knowledge and culture. Guided by the principle of taking only what is needed while considering the well-being of the next seven generations, Chuck inspires participants to deepen their relationship with the land, water, and one another. Through his generosity, wisdom, and exceptional craftsmanship, he continues to ensure that the living tradition of birchbark canoe building is carried forward for future generations. |
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Amberly Quakegesic
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Red Pepper Spectacle Arts extends its sincere gratitude to the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, and Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research Ontario for its generous partnership and support of Biiskaabe Zaa’emaanag - Birchbark Canoe Project.
