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1st Annual North Columbia Knap-In 2012 Report The first annual North Columbia Knap-In was held the second weekend of October. Being the first year, we were unsure of what to expect and how many folks would join us. As it turned out, we were joined by a host of knappers, many of whom traveled far to attend. (George and Cheryle Bryce came all the way from Livingston, MT!) Many, many thanks to all who came and participated! We were hosted by the Kettle Falls Historical Center, a stone's throw from the old St. Paul's Mission & Lake Roosevelt National Park and the traditional inter-Tribal salmon fishery. We are grateful to the Kettle Falls Historic Center for the use of their land, their hospitality and for the use of their restroom facilities, which made it so we did not have to rent Porta-Potties! We have been invited back again for next year on the 10th thru the 12th of October. Our numbers were small at first, but by the end of Saturday we had about 25 knappers, plus the children from the local Waldorf School that came to visit (Friday) and check things out. Since our location is in view of Hwy 395 and we had a sign at the road, we had several drop-in visitors who ended up staying and knapping with us for awhile. One guy was going fishing with his daughter, got frustrated waiting for the bridge crossing (which was under construction) and came to join us. He had never knapped before and got some great hands-on instruction, too good, perhaps. He participated in the 2 inch goat game, and won, took his winnings and left! There was plenty of rock for all, and plenty of good food & company. Our Friday night potluck was a big success and had a great variety of cuisine, including some moose chili provided by Eric Barnett. Eric bagged the moose a year earlier with primitive archery equipment he had made, including the stone point on the arrow! Nice work, Eric! We also had lots of Dutch oven potatoes, thanks to a huge bag of spuds donated by Emil Daily after a gleaning trip the week before. After dinner, accompanied by Kirby Records on the guitar and his homemade Native flutes there was another knapping session that went late into the night. Between our auction and donations we were able to clear expenses, plus donate $140 back to the Kettle Falls Historic Center for the use of the facilities there. The Museum opened their doors Friday so that our participants could view the collections, which includes many stone artifacts from the North Columbia Basin. Quite a few of our Knap-In participants donated knapped work to the Center's fund raising auction which they held Saturday afternoon. The Board of Directors at the Center sends their sincere thanks for the support! There were other interests represented at this knap-in, too, mainly in primitive and historic skills. Bridges to the Past, the organizing body of the knap-in, teaches classes in historic skills and brought skin-on-frame kayaks (Kirby brought his, too!), bows, arrows, and AtlAtls and darts. Kirby wore his handmade buckskin clothing, and Kyle demonstrated his skill at friction fire making. The camp and facilities were dominated by canvas tents and shelters which added nicely to the ambience. Wednesday, before the knap-in officially started, Patrick and Kyle snuck away to paddle on the Columbia River in the kayaks. A larger group went for an afternoon paddle on Saturday as well. It was so much fun that we have decided to make the boat trips an integral part of the gathering. For those with interest next year, bring your boats and come float with us! All in all, the North Columbia Knap-In was a huge success! Thanks again to all who came and joined us, and thanks to those who helped clean up and take down camp Saturday evening! Thanks for traveling near and far to come and support this fledgling event! Planning is already in the works for 2013 - please plan to join us! Attached are several pictures. More info and pics coming at: http://www.bridgestothepast.org/Home
Attendance for the 2012 North Columbia Knap-In Madilane Perry Knap-in Headquarters
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