Birch Trees ( Betula papyrifera) are found throughout the North American Boreal Forest, highly prized by the First Nations people, the uses of the Birch Bark can be traced back to the beginning of time when the Thunderbirds marked the characteristic stripes and enriched exceptional properties. In fact many Indigenous cultures around the world regard the Birch Tree as a sacred plant that was blessed with qualities for the benefit of human kind. There are legends, ceremonies and offerings during the harvesting of the bark, roots , leaves, wood and the fungus that grows on the birch tree.
The use of the bark spanned the lifetime of an individual , the bark served as a Cradleboard cover when the child was born , and when the person passed on it became a wrapping for the deceased.
The Birchbark can be peeled to any thickness , stored for long periods of time, and regenerated for future use, it is light weight , portable, durable and is very strong, this resulted in its extensive use.
The Northern Cree have used the Birchbark for Lodge coverings, containers for food and medicine and other personal items, hunting gear, fishing gear, for tinder, torches and for artwork, beadwork and quillwork.
The bark also served for documentation purposes as maps and to transmit sacred rites, songs and teachings passed down from generation after generation since time immemorial.
Medicinal teas and ointments were brewed from the trees bark, leaves and twigs, the wood was used to make utensils.
Birchbark Canoes are ideal vehicles for people who depended upon hunting, gathering, and fishing for their survival, to travel the vast waterways this vehicle was perfect for it was easily manuevorable and lightweight.
Traditionally the skills and knowledge required for canoe makers would take years of observation and experience, besides knowing the technical skills needed the Canoemaker had an intimate understanding of the Birchbark and other materials gathered from Mother Earth - such as the various wood, resins, and roots . The Traditions required ceremony and thanksgiving , songs and stories about the Birchbark would be taught from one generation to the next.
The Gathering of materials, the Ceremonies, songs and stories required Family support, it was labour-intensive including the preparations for the Gathering all structured around the strong cultural relationships with Kinship and respect for the land. The Birchbark was gathered during the spring and late summe as the bark was more pliable and easily removed.
There are various uses for the Birchbark and its roots, First Nations believe that the Birch Tree provides strength, safety and security; containers, baskets and other artforms made from Birchbark are highly prized because they make the house safe and secure.
