Carvers and community members on July 27 in Hoonah successfully steamed open the second of two forty-foot spruce dugout canoes that will carry the Huna Tlingit back to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve for the Aug. 25 dedication of the tribal house, Xunaa Shuká Hít, in Bartlett Cove. They finished mid-afternoon at a width of 52 inches. Now come the next steps — like painting, adding seats… and paddling the two canoes to Glacier Bay.
Carver Steven Price (center), son of master carver Wayne Price, and community members help carry the steamed-open canoe in Hoonah.
Hoonah community members carry the second of two forty-foot spruce dugout canoes, successfully steamed open July 27, 2016.
Carvers and community members place hot rocks in the canoe as the steaming process begins. Others wait to cover the canoe with a tarp.
Master carver Wayne Price, apprentice carvers, and Hoonah community members dance around the fire heating the rocks for the second of two forty-foot spruce dugout canoes.
Community members heat up large rocks in a big fire on July 27. To steam the canoe open, they place the hot rocks in the canoe, which is partly filled with seawater and covered.
