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Oldest canoe finds its way home

Source: Star.com (7-1-09)

Returned from Ireland after more than 180 years, Maliseet birchbark boat inspires rebirth of craft

A culturally significant First Nation's artifact that has languished in Ireland for more than 180 years has returned to Canada, completing a circle of tradition for those on the New Brunswick reserves where it originated.

The "Grandfather Akwiten canoe," believed to be the oldest birchbark canoe in the world, was built by Maliseet craftsmen in the early 1820s before it was taken to Ireland around 1825 by Lieut. Stepney St. George, who was serving with British forces.

Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 1:06 AM | Comments (0) | Return

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