March 20, 2023 (Saanichton,BC) – The Construction Foundation of BC’s Indigenous Skills team travelled to Brentwood Bay Elementary this month for a bentwood box making workshop.
Led by CFBC Artist in Residence, Dean Heron, the class of Grade 4 and 5 students each constructed their own bentwood boxes over the course of two workshops, while learning about the history and cultural significance of the what they were creating.
The class’s first session with Heron featured discussions on the history and types of bentwood boxes, trading, as well as different box designs, as well as looking at a slideshow of samples from the Museum of Anthropology prior to steaming and bending of the boxes by the students.
The second session saw students completing the final steps of their individual boxes while learning about screen printing and traditional design elements. To wrap up the second class, students created their own designs.
“We really enjoyed bringing the Indigenous Skills bentwood box making workshop to Brentwood Bay,” said Heron. “The students engaged, asked questions and made the two visits to their classroom an enjoyable experience. We’re looking forward to returning as soon we can!”
For more information on the work being done by the Construction Foundation of BC and to donate, please visit www.constructionfoundation.ca.
