ADST Curriculum and Indigenous Cultural Experiences

As part of Phoenix Magnet Academy's Indigenous Cultural Experiences program and the ADST curriculum, students took a four-week paddle carving workshop. This unique hands-on project, held in collaboration with Create Makerspace, offered students the opportunity to learn traditional skills, connect with Indigenous culture, and explore the artistry of paddle making under the guidance of a Squamish Nation elder. 

Paddle-Making Process

Over the span of the four weeks, students attended two sessions weekly, where they first sketched the paddle outline before moving into blade shaping, detail outlining, and general shape refining. Each stage was essential for transforming raw materials into a fully formed, functional paddle. 

Cultural Knowledge and Storytelling

In addition to the physical aspects of paddle making, the workshop included invaluable cultural knowledge from Squamish Nation elder, Art, who shared insights on canoe culture and the traditional importance of paddle design. His stories highlighted the spiritual connection between nature, tools, and Indigenous ways of life.  

Tree and Wood Science

One session was dedicated to tree and wood science. Students learned how different types of wood affect the carving process, blade flexibility, and durability. This scientific perspective deepened their appreciation for the materials they used and highlighted the careful selection of wood traditionally made by Indigenous peoples for paddle carving. 

Achievements and Takeaways

By the end of the four-week program, students left with their own finished paddles—a physical symbol of creativity, cultural respect, and personal achievement. This experiential learning workshop at Phoenix Magnet Academy brought together traditional Indigenous knowledge, hands-on skills, and environmental science, empowering students with a deeper connection to their work, community, and the Canadian Indigenous culture. 

Student Reflection

“It was my first time carving a paddle. This experience was very new to me because with every tool and material I used, I was learning how to use it from scratch, which deepened my understanding of how to cut wood. I also learned about the history of the Indigenous people and trees, gaining a deeper understanding of the Squamish people.” - Yoshika Fujiyama, PMA Student