Baby Ti’at: The Making of a Traditional Canoe

Members of the Tongva, Chumash and Acjachemen communities are rebuilding their connection with the ocean and the Channel Islands by rebuilding a Ti’at, a traditional canoe. While working on a smaller version of the original ocean vessel for the Natural History Museum, participants come together and combine skill sets to achieve their common goal. Whether it’s people from Karuk country donating redwood, an “uncle” teaching cordage lessons with patience, or “aunties” cooking and bringing food to the builders, the making of this boat is all about establishing and nourishing relationships.