Chuck Commanda is a masterful traditional artisan renowned for his expertise in crafting exquisite birch bark canoes using raw materials that he personally harvests through age-old techniques. He imparts his love for this ancient craft to students across Ontario by instructing them in the intricate process of building a canoe.
Although he calls the vibrant community of Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, his home, he can often be found in school hallways, inspiring students with his knowledge and love for this art form. During the 2022-2023 school year, Chuck spent two weeks at St. Matthews High School, sharing his knowledge and skills with students. Additionally, elementary students from Chapel Hill visited St. Matthews to learn about the traditional Algonquin style of canoe building firsthand.
Chuck’s teachings are founded on empathy and centred around the seven sacred teachings of love, honesty, humility, respect, bravery, wisdom, and truth. Through his sharing of knowledge and skills on the art of canoe building, he aims to strengthen the bond between families and communities. Moreover, this reminds students of the significance of being a responsible global citizen by committing to reconciliation and striving to live in peace and harmony with all living beings.
The students of St. Mathew High School were still discussing the lessons they had learned and the inspiration they had received from Chuck even after he had left the school premises. They talked about the importance of respecting the environment, appreciating cultural traditions that were not their own, and how fulfilling it was to build something with their own hands.
By sharing Indigenous knowledge with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, youth, and adults, Chuck is contributing to the spirit of reconciliation and the revitalization of Indigenous communities.