An ancient cedar tree is helping members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe reclaim their identity as canoe-makers. From toddlers to elders, tribal members are taking turns shaping the dugout canoe with hand tools, each fragrant cedar shaving bringing them closer to the craft they plan to paddle more than 100 miles down the Spokane River next summer to a historic fishing site on the Columbia River. “I saw the wood when it arrived, and I was just amazed,” said Vincent Peone, a tribal wildlife technician who has been part of the project. “I could feel the emotion growing inside of me. … The canoe had been out of our present-day use for so many years.” The canoe is being carved from a 700-year-old Western red cedar, which was a gift from the Upper Columbia United Tribes/Becky Kramer, SR. More here.

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