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THE BIRH BARK CANOE
Post Modern 1880-2008
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

Credits:
Aimee Bailey

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Native People have used the birch bark canoe as a mode of transportation for thousands of years. Cultural teachings of birch bark canoe making have been passed down from generation to generation, but in modern times this knowledge is slowly being eroded. This is due in part, to a lack of materials necessary for the building of birch bark crafts and an encroachment of traditional values by modern technology. This exhibit is dedicated to those artisans who maintained their cultured craftsmanship and kept this knowledge alive and available for today's generation.

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MATTHEW BERNARD A MASTER AT BUILDING CANOES
1950
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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Canoe Builder: "The late Matthew Bernard".
Matthew is an Algonquin of Pikwakanagan in Golden Lake.
Born: on July, 04, 1876 at Chapeau, Quebec.
Married : September, 20th, 1898 to Christianne Aird Partridge also an Algonquin.
Died: February, 5th, 1972 ( in his 96th year).
Matt and Christianne had 12 children (8 boys, 4 girls).

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MATTHEW BERNARD A SKILLED ARTISAN
1898 to 1972
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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Matt was an accomplished Craftsman and a skilled teacher. He made, and taught others the making of canoe paddles, snowshoes, work sleds called " hand-sleighs", gill nets, bows and arrows; tools which were used by the Algonquin people in their daily lives.

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MATTHEW BERNARD (1876- 1972)
1950- 1959
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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Matt and his family tanned animal pelts and hides in preparation for their use in the making of clothing, Algonquin regalia, crafts and gifts. One such gift, during World War II, was twelve hand-made goatskin vests which were intended for delivery to crew members of the Royal Canadian Navy Destroyer "Algonquin" but reached the Destroyer "Iroquois" by mistake.

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MATTHEW BERNARD A CANOE BUILDER
1950
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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Matt Bernard was a Master Builder of birch-bark canoes. He built many of these craft, always using the Algonquin traditional methods of construction. Some of these canoes were shipped internationaly to such places as New Zealand and Germany.

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MATTHEW BERNARD AN EXPERT AT PADDLING
1950
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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Matt was elected several times and served as Chief of Pikwakanagan of Golden Lake for a total of 17 years. May, 1903- October,1905; October, 1909-January,1913; July,1914 - September, 1925. At other times, as "Indian Agent" of the Federal Government, and as R.C.M.P. Special Constable, Matt helped to maintain a safe and orderly way of life within his community.

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AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEMBER
1889-1972
Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, Golden Lake, Ontario

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This canoe was completed September 28, 1957 and is currently on display in the main entrance to the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull Quebec.
Matthew Bernard built this Great Canoe commissioned by Mr.Gillies, with several community members who helped out including his son Mike Bernard.
NOTE: The current appearance of this canoe is altered from its original lines by the addition of panels which have made the ends higher and curled back.