In 1967 the Manitoba Museum asked northerner Doug Evans to undertake a mission. The museum was keenly aware that the Cree method of constructing birch bark canoes for northern lakes and rivers was fast disappearing. Evans flew into the Pelican Narrows region of Saskatchewan to chronicle the step-by-step building process used by Cree elder Noah Custer. Some 40 years later, Evans rediscovered his manuscript and realized it was the only record of this lost art. Great Plains is proud to publish this anthropological treasure.

Doug Evans' profile page

Doug Evans was born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He was a long time member of the Manitoba Archeological Society and acquired items for the collection of the Manitoba Museum. A regular contributor to Canadian Homestead Magazine, North Roots Magazine and Cottage North Magazine, he is also the author of Tales from a Town with a Funny Name, and A Child's Garden of Rocks.

"This book will be a good way for my grandfather to teach my children and others about the things that our elders knew how to do." - Phillip Custer

"Great Plains Publications has produced a wonderful book of Evans' photographs and writings." - Paddle Manitoba

"This a fascinating read as well as a tribute to a lost way of life. . . " - Winnipeg Free Press