Na̱max̱sa̱la by Three Master Carvers

1. The plan was to cut down a tree for the project, but the carvers stumbled upon the perfect windfall log when scoping out the area: a red cedar about 600 to 700 years old, Udzistalis Junior Henderson estimates, and already conveniently split down the centre.

2. Chainsaws were used for the shaping and hand tools for the finishings, with design choices made on the spot. “We had some drawings on the shack we stayed in, but other than that there were no drawings, no blueprints,” Henderson says. Separate pieces were added for the bow and stern, bringing the final canoe length to over 30 feet.

3. Once carved, the vessel was suspended above ground and filled partially with water. All the while, rocks had been heating by a fire for hours. “When they got red hot, we piled them into the canoe and threw bark overtop and let it sit for a while,” Henderson says. The steaming process widened the canoe by just under a foot, adding stability.

4. The painted motif, representing a whale, was designed by Heh-mah-khoo-doh-gah (Great Chief Lady) Jessica Chickite of We Wai Kai First Nation.

5. Cedar boughs were laid across the bow for its maiden voyage from Kelsey Bay Spit in Sayward to Cape Mudge on Quadra Island—a 12-hour journey—where it was escorted to shore by two other canoes and welcomed after a traditional request to come ashore, performed by Henderson.