BIRCH BARK CANOES by Mahigan
“I was asked which indigenous language I speak. I speak Michif but I am fluent in a more Universal language. The language that the forest and all its inhabitants; flora, fungus, fauna, animal, etc.) speak. One that humankind must relearn if we are to have a future on our Mother Earth.”
~ Mahigan
Latest News:
Metuaptmumk
April, 2023 - Turtle Island Institute is leading a journey to live into the sophistication and scientific application of Indigenous knowledge systems. Join us for a 13 moon immersive experience into Metuaptmumk.
Watch on Vimeo
Renowned Indigenous canoe builder part of technical-skills program for local elementary students
Marcel shared lessons around sustainability and respecting the natural world with local elementary students as part of a technical-skills program at St. Michael Catholic secondary school.
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Map of prominent Indigenous
trade routes in Turtle Island
(click for larger image)
The architecture of the great connector
Marcel will be building a canoe in September 2019 at the McEwen School of Architecture. This canoe will be part of a convoy of three canoes retracing historic Indigenous trade routes from the Akikodjiwan Falls (Chaudière Falls) in present day Ottawa down to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Hear Marcel's interview on Ottawa Morning:
Canoe Building
Marcel guided the creation of a canoe that was gifted to a major donor:
School of architecture celebrates grand opening
Reimagine your relationship with Indigenous people by taking time to learn and assist in the construction of a birch-bark canoe on the uOttawa campus.
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Latest Updates:
LAURENTIAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE – Building Birch Bark Canoes the Old-Fashioned Way!
Click here to read the article
CTV Northern Ontario: The Canoe Project
Sacred Ceremony in Sudbury
Teaching architecture students to understand their work through canoe building:
Laurentian architecture student-built canoes on display
[click here for PDF version]
Learning From our Elders Gathering Oct 18-19, 2014 - Marcel was at this year's Elder's Gathering. An experience alongside elders and traditional knowledge keepers, authentic teachings on the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of Storytelling, Drumming, Sweats, Pipe Ceremonies, Sunrise Ceremonies, Smudging, Talking Circles and more: a holistic approach to teaching and learning -- renewing and educational.
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The McMichael Gallery - Sunday, March 9, 2014. Marcel participated in the March Break fun with replica birch bark canoe workshops and the screening of his documentary "The Art of Being Métis: Through the Teaching of the Canoe."
For more details click here
Press Release:
McMichael Partners with Federal Government to Highlight Canada’s Francophone and Métis Heritage
Brampton Guardian Nov 1, 2013 - Aboriginal studies transforming the culture of traditional education
[click here for PDF version]
Pan Am 2015 in Toronto: Marcel at the 2 year countdown event
Read the article about Marcel from Metis Voyager magazine: Metis Craft at Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame
New gallery:
Nishi - a 4 foot canoe
New gallery:
The OAC 2012 Aboriginal Arts Education Project "Teaching from the Knowledge Canoe"
Documentary Brochure:
About being Metis
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Marcel Labelle is proud of his Metis heritage. His mother is Iroquois and French
and his father is Algonquin and French. Marcel grew up in Northern Ontario and spent
most of his childhood on the trap line. This is where he learned how to live with
and from the forest. Today he builds traditional Birch Bark Canoes and demonstrates
his craft at many venues. He also instructs a course in the Indigenous Studies field
at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. He is supported by the Metis Nation
of Ontario through their Training Initiatives Program. He is also the recipient
of an 2008 OAC(Ontario Arts Council) Aboriginal Arts Projects grant towards Birch
Bark Canoe Building. He received the highest individual amount for an OAC grant
recipient Aboriginal Arts Project, 2009.
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School Demonstrations
Invite Marcel into your school to speak to your students
about his Metis way of life.
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Special Events
Come out and meet Marcel at one of the many events that
he attends each year.
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Event Galleries
View pictures and information for Marcel's past appearances
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