‘Denoon’ First Chaputs Canoe

During my first visit to the Carving on the Edge Festival, where I made my first yew wood paddle with Carl Martin, I also met Carl’s brother, Tutakwisnapšiƛ Joe Martin. Joe was an active carver, teacher, mentor to many, and a defender of culture, land, and sea. When I learned that he planned to begin a new canoe project later that summer, I asked if I could help. He generously said yes—and that’s where my canoe-carving adventures began.

I’m not sure Joe expected I’d show up as much as I did, but for a couple of months, I made the five-hour drive to Tofino—often late at night or early in the morning—so I could balance my business and family life while still being part of the project as often as possible.

Joe was carving this chaputs (canoe) with, and for, a friend who had lived in the area. The time I spent working on that canoe became an experience that set me on a path to continue this kind of work for as many years as I might still have in this life.

Photography: Christopher Roy | @christopherroy