Archival photograph of a canoe race, Alert Bay, British Columbia, 1937 © British Columbia Archives F5320

The Coast Salish peoples inhabit coastal and adjacent areas of British Columbia and Washington State. Here immense rivers, placid estuaries, distinct topographies and climate provide abundant resources. The Coast Salish peoples' canoes demonstrate their needs, ranging from small clam collecting boats to large ocean-going war canoes. Canoes are a central part of Coast Salish life. For more information, visit Coast Salish Canoe Racing - Pulling Together.

This long-nose Ojibway style canoe clearly displays how the type of canoe got its name. It was built by members of a Chippewa band located near Bear Island, Leech Lake, Minnesota. This is an unusually wide and deep canoe. (977.51). © 2000 The Canadian Canoe Museum Photographer: Michael Cullen

Birchbark canoes are most commonly associated with the central and southeastern regions of Canada and the northeastern United States. The materials used to make such watercrafts were readily available from the surroundings of the First Nations builders. Birchbark covers the hull of the craft, while spruce root and spruce gum were used to stitch together and seal the canoe. The form of the birchbark canoe, like other canoes, is thoroughly influenced by its requirements of use, whether it be for lakewater, coastal, and river navigation or for travel through smooth, rough, or fast-running water. The birchbark canoes' forms and functions are widely varied. The characteristic that may be used to identify craft from different regions is the shape of the bow and stern.