This fall, Community Boating Center will host a special community project led by Wampanoag artist and educator Hartman Deetz: the building of a traditional mishoon, a dugout canoe.
Using the traditional burn-and-scrape method, Hartman will transform a large log into a canoe through a process that has been practiced by Indigenous peoples of New England for generations. The build will take place over several days and will be open to the community to observe and learn.
For Wampanoag and other Indigenous peoples of New England, waterways were the original highways, and mishoons were an important means of travel and connection. This project offers an opportunity to learn about and help carry forward these traditional skills and cultural practices.
The build will take place at Community Boating Center in conjunction with New Bedford’s first annual Powwow. More details, including the schedule and opportunities to participate, are available below.
