The delicate and precise art of flint knapping was the focus of a workshop on Saturday June 24 at the site of Original Humboldt. The art of fashioned sharp tools and weapon heads is being kept alive by Masters student and Indigenous knowledge keeper Gabriel Marchand. Marchand has been in Humboldt previously with a demonstration put on at the Humboldt and District Gallery earlier this spring.
Marchand grew up around Georgian Bay, on Lake Huron, and has now lived in Saskatchewan for most of his adult life. His first experience with archaeology was when he was about 12, on Beausoleil Island, the one-time home of his Anishinaabek ancestors. He is now a well-practiced flintknapper, and he is always eager to share his passion and interest in ancient crafting traditions.
A few hardy souls donned thick protective gloves to shear off pieces of obsidian and slate to craft the tools. The edges are so finely honed that they slice through tanned leather with very little effort. Each participant learned about the history and the variation in tools according to materials available. Most importantly, they learned first hand about the patience and skill craftspeople exhibited over thousands of years of the practice.
The workshop was part of the City of Humboldt Department of Cultural Services’ Relationships Building and Reconciliation Through Living Heritage pilot project, in partnership with Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan and Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The project is funded by Community Initiatives Fund and Heritage Saskatchewan.