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Participants form paddles and bonds in Squamish paddle-making workshop

Hope for another such course with Squamish Nation artist Art Harry, says organizer
The Portage paddle group.
The Portage paddle group.

It went so well, its organizer is planning other workshops.

Squamish Nation artist Art Harry led a paddle-making workshop, called Portage this fall.

For three nights a week over three weeks earlier this fall, 14 participants were guided in making their own paddles.

"It went really well. The camaraderie and the experience that we shared with participants was a really enjoyable experience," said multidisciplinary Squamish-based artist Lenny Rubenovitch, who helped organize the workshop and shared his knowledge of trees through stories in the course as well.

"To be in Art's presence and share some of his knowledge and skills, is really rewarding," Rubenovitch noted that Tsawaysia Spukwus and Ross Reid from Nerdy About Nature also led nature walks during the course.

Courtesy Lenny Rubenovitch
Source: Courtesy Lenny Rubenovitch

Members from the Squamish Men's Shed also came out to share their expertise and tools.

"They have a wealth of knowledge and were a big support with tools — that went a long way," he said, adding Sea to Sky Community Services representatives also came out to speak about the upcoming Foundry Squamish Centre youth-hub building.

Annie McDonald was a participant and found herself tearing up.

She had never done anything like it before and found that the sense of community that brought everyone together was heartening.

"Squamish has grown a lot.... and I just feel like there is this balance between it getting too big sometimes and wanting it to be where I want my kids to grow, so it was inspiring to see that kind of program come together," she said. "Honestly, some of the nights made me feel like I wanted to cry."

She said her two kids, though too young to participate, gained from it as well.

"They kind of lived through it with me too, because during the workshop you bring your own paddle home every night and so they would run out to the garage to see what I had done that day," she said.

The course was made possible by a grant from the Squamish Arts Council.

The workshop was free, but participants were asked to donate if able.

Annie McDonald with her paddle.
Annie McDonald with her paddle. - Courtesy Lenny Rubenovitch

Funds raised, more than $1,500, went to Squamish Nation youth programs and the Foundry Squamish Centre.

Works by Rubenovitch and Harry were also auctioned off, raising a bit more funds.

There are discussions underway about what workshops could be next, Rubenovitch said.

"There was a lot of work involved, in terms of the organizing and everything... and I think it would be worthwhile to continue it."

To sponsor or get involved with a future workshop, contact Rubenovitch at lennyrubenovitch@gmail.com

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