The Friends of Murphys Point Park have been honoured to be part of two hand-made birch bark canoe builds – one in 2018 and one in 2019.
Ontario Parks hosted builder Chuck Commanda at Murphys Point Provincial Park in 2018, when he conducted a two-week build at the main beach. Chuck grew up as part of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, an Algonquin First Nation, and helped his grandparents make birchbark canoes. He brings his message of reconciliation through shared experiences with the canoe.
In 2019, the Friends and the Park worked together to bring Chuck back for another two-week build. This time the canoe was raffled off by the Friends, raising more than $6,000 that will be used for future Indigenous-themed educational programming.
Chuck is a wonderful teacher who generously shares his knowledge with the public. Friends staff and volunteers were thrilled to be able to experience his teachings. The first canoe can be found on display at Murphys Point.
Special thanks to Chuck Commanda for sharing his extensive knowledge. We are grateful for his teachings and ongoing enthusiasm and for sharing with us. Miigwetch!
Learn more about the builds in these videos.
Friends of Murphys Point Park 