‘Like the nails on a beasts’ paws, the old tools were so much an extension of a person’s hand or an added appendage to their arm that the resulting workmanship seemed to flow directly from the body of the maker.
– Eric Sloan, A museum of Early American Tools
This is an opportunity to focus on a specific topic related to survival / ancestral skills, naturalist studies, and / or crafts with natural materials.
Get ready to get your hands dirty! We want this to be a precious and unforgettable experience. Having routine time to “skill it up” with others can really root these skills and connections deeply in all of us.
Wild Edibles Workshop
Many plants’ energy is sent into the roots and fruits during the fall for storage and hibernation, so fall is a great time to get acquainted with some amazing wild edibles. Many are familiar with leafy greens, and neglect the dirty and calorie-rich roots of a lot of wild foods. We’ll spend the day exploring local foods and medicines, and prepare a meal to share. Yum!
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Kahnawake
Cost: $75 plus tax
Fire Workshop
There is nothing like the magic and inspiration of fire – bringing people together, the dance between wood, water and air, the lessons of responsibility and the history of our species, and the humbling and satisfying ability to create and tend it. There is always more to learn!
We want to meet you where you are at. If you are totally new to making fires from the forest in any weather conditions, or if you can make a hand drill kit from the land and light it behind your back, we want to meet you there, to take you further. Some skills may include: assorted friction fire techniques, using mushrooms and plants as coal extenders, types of fire structures, types of woods, weather considerations, fire structures, modern techniques and more.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Kahnawake
Cost: $75 plus tax
Shelter Workshop
This is a chance to practice building primitive and/or emergency shelters, as well as understanding some important concepts to building a simple home with minimal gear in the wilderness. Participants will have a chance to explore various types of tarp shelters (you might never want to carry tent poles again!), and/or work on building a primitive shelter. We will practice some basic techniques, and discuss more advanced primitive structures. Especially in our cold climate, being versed in this skill could be really helpful in emergency situations, and is also really fun for creating functional and beautiful campsites.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Kahnawake
Cost: $75 plus tax
Teachers:
Arndell LeBlanc, Kawisente McGregor, David McComber, and possibly other guest instructors.
Schedule and Location:
The program will take place at Kawisente’s backyard in Kahnawake. We will be going to a wilderness site for the final trip (location to be determined).
The workshops will take place on the following days from 10am to 4pm:
- October 1st & 2nd: Edible and Medicinal Plants Workshop
- October 29th & 30th: Fire Skills Workshop
- November 12th & 13th: Survival Shelters Workshop
Price:
$75 + tx per day
A welcome package will be sent a week before the first day of the program with specific details.
