Find out! Help the Ely Folk School (EFS) to finish building their 20-foot canoe.

The first class will start on Sunday, June 20th at 1:00pm.

Master Birch Bark Canoe Builder Erik Simula is continuing the Birch Bark Canoe Project (BBCP). This summer, he is teaching a 10-week course designed with the goals of finishing and paddling the canoe. Because of Covid-19 the canoe has been stored in the EFS garage for over a year and is waiting for its day to greet the water!

You can help by adding your hands to finish the beloved BBCP project that was started in 2018 by so many other hands. Erik Simula has noted that approximately 90% of the canoe has already been completed. 10% of the work is now waiting for your hands!

Register for the full 10-week course offered Sunday, June 20 through Sunday, August 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 each afternoon. Tuition for 10 weeks is $50.00.

An option, if you cannot attend the full course, is to come when you can for individual classes. A $10.00 donation is requested for each class you attend.

Classes will meet outside on the lawn by the Folk School each Sunday, 1-4pm – weather permitting. Ely community members and visitors are encouraged to stop by and watch and ask questions while the class is working on the canoe. Observing and learning the process of building a birch bark canoe gives people today an understanding of the past history, culture, art and craft that is embedded in the canoe. It is also an inspiration for building your own canoe!

If you cannot attend any of the classes, but wish to help support this project, please consider making a donation to the Ely Folk School for BBCP.