How were plateau canoes made?

Plateau canoes were traditionally crafted by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, primarily from cedar trees. Craftsmen would select a suitable log and then use tools like axes and chisels to hollow out the wood, shaping it into a canoe. The construction often involved bending and joining multiple pieces of wood to create a sturdy and functional vessel, which was then often waterproofed with natural resins. These canoes were essential for fishing, transportation, and trade along rivers and coastal waters.