The Canoe Maker: David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy Birch Bark Artisan

by Jean Mary Flahive, Donald Soctomah, Mari Dieumegard (Illustrator)

Young Tobias is on a quest with his father, David Moses Bridges, the tribe’s master canoe maker. Together they go deep into the Maine woods to find the perfect birch and to gather spruce roots, cedar, and spruce gum to build a canoe in the “old ways.” In this magical tale, David weaves Native American storytelling into the ancient art and spirituality of canoe making, including the heart-rending mythological legend of the partridge, the first canoe maker.

38 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Jean has a long career in higher education, serving as a dean of students at a community college in Maine, and as an adjunct instructor at the college level. Jean has worked as a grantwriting consultant for the Passamaquoddy Tribe, rural communities and non-profit organizations throughout Maine. Jean lives in South Portland, Maine with her husband Bill.

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously illustrated book depicting true reverence for the natural world. Through master canoe maker David Moses Bridges' passing of traditional tools, methods, and stories to his young son Tobias, we learn about the process for making a birch bark canoe. Although David Moses Bridges sadly passed away a few years ago, this book documents parts of Passamaquoddy culture that live on through his legacy. This book is a must for the shelf of anyone who loves Maine and/or Wabanaki literature.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canoe Maker is a beautiful and meaningful story that blends family, tradition, and Indigenous knowledge in a powerful way. Tobias’s journey with his father feels authentic, and the canoe making process is explained with respect and care. This book teaches patience, craftsmanship, and cultural pride in a way that is engaging for young readers.