‘The way forward’: Crafting one canoe with many hands

ZenSeekers (ZS): What was the most surprising thing about working on the canoe?

Hewkin: Joe, the lead carver said that if you have fear then you only learn half of what you are supposed to, but if you have no fear then you can learn anything. If you are too careful, then you won’t get anything done. If you are not careful at all, then your work will be messy. You have to be right in the middle of both: careful, but not too careful. As long as you don’t fear your tools or who you are working with, it will be just fine. I was scared at first, but after a while, I wasn’t. I had to trust myself.

ZS: What did you know about Indigenous ways before the project?

Hewkin: There are rules to be obeyed while you are with all other people on earth. Respect is our first teaching, not just to respect your family, but even your enemies. If you disrespect someone, your hate is like disrespecting yourself. Secondly, never just take all of everything – only take what you need. Don’t fill the canoe with fish or clams. Always make sure there is still more for the future. Always respect all of nature and what it has to give to us.

ZS: What was the carving work like?

Hewkin: I worked a great deal with my friend, Matthew on the canoe. After we cut the log in half, Joe, Alvin, Ivan, Sherman and everybody who helped, used lots of different tools like the adze, elbow adze, hand saws, axes, pull planers, push planers. We used a chainsaw for the sides and inside of the canoe, carving slots out of the inside and outside. You start to get better at carving in about a week of work.

ZS: What was it like to see the canoe for the first time?

Hewkin: I was on the canoe for the first ride! I felt so warm-hearted to be on the canoe. I was no longer in the world, I was inside my culture. My soul was lifting out of my body. It was so amazing to see everybody there, non-Indigenous and Indigenous all together as one, not apart and it was hopeful. It was a moment of hope to have a canoe for the people that had to suffer from residential schools. It was great to hear all of the songs and see the people in attendance.

ZS: How did the project change you?

I really feel as if it has opened my eyes to the real world. Before that moment, I was in a fake life with no colours, but now I see everything for real. I love my culture when I am there. I feel like this moment has not just changed me, but given me a reason to go to school, learn about my culture and sing with friends and family. It makes me proud to be native. This has changed me for the better from now and forever.

Special thanks to Dominic’s mother and his teacher, Chris Bratseth at Brooks Secondary School for allowing ZenSeekers to tell this story and to Phil Russell, the founder of the Hehewsin movement. 

How to get involved in ‘the way forward’

Travel this summer and support a First Nations business. There are many Indigenous businesses across B.C. and Canada and offer an immersive and memorable experience. Watch this video, showcasing B.C’s I’hos Tours experience – showcasing the traditional art of barbecue salmon.