How I harvest Birch Bark

So many people keep asking me to show how I get my birch bark for my quillwork, so I took the cameras along. And some others to teach them.
I always include my little ones in what I do so they can learn these skills.
using this platform to teach anything I know while I exist...
hopefully this gets you out there in the world to learn new things!
Follow my other socials for all kids of content
Facebook: / devan.kicknosway
Instagram: / deevo222
Also if you wanna follow Watson, he's got some wicked content, very smart young man
Instagram: / watson_whitford15
If you need to reach me for more information about anything or for business inquiries please email me at:
[e-mail]

[@corrinenolan344]

You're taking from the tree but did you also know that birch has a very fine fungi over it? That's what the whiplte powder is. When you gather birch bark, you take the outer layer off. This means the fungi doesn't get a chance to take over the tree so it prolongs the trees life. Once that fungi grows inward and starts eating through the bark ibto the trees center, it's weakened way more than it is when you take from it. And although the bark can still grow fungi in other areas, the fungi will still have to over come the area that you gathered from. I gathered a little bit today in Idaho. I'm from MI and haven't seen birch out here for a long time. I had to stop and do some walking. Felt so good.

[@charlykatbat4468]

It's just fantastic watching you interact with your little ones and teaching them your craft (and of cause that you share it with the rest of us- giitu [thank you] for that). I was fortunate enough to be born into a very proud Sámi family, so my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and what have you not all made sure I know our traditions, songs, stories and of cause craft. 2020 has been a super weird year for us up here in the high Arctic, as our Island basically went into lockdown in March and until today still hasn't really come out of it (good thing tho, we didn't have a single case of Covid up here, so far - knocking on wood) so I suddently had a lot of spare time on my hands, that I first didn't know how to fill, until I had a long phonecall with my Nana. She told me about how she used to spend her summers, and this somehow inspired me to just grab my dogs, put them infront of the sled and go explore the Island. Usually when I'm out mushing or driving snowmobiles I have guests with me, so I have to stick to certain places (there are a lot of restrictions for non - locals), but without guests I was free to go, more or less, where ever I wanted (or my dogs wanted) to go. Absolutely fantastic. Same goes for hiking, and I managed this way to (again) fall in love with my little piece of paradise and connect to my native Arctic. It also gave me a chance of picking up things, that I had learned as a child, but never really bothered to get back into, as I just was lacking the time (and energy), so for the first time in over 15 years I sew myself a traditional Gákti (Sámi dress), made some jewelery from Reindeer antlers and now even finished building my first sled. It's by far not perfect and still needs work done, but it just feels fantastic gliding over frozen tundra with it, seeing a polar bear from the distance and enjoying the absolute quiet of the polar night =) So thank you again for sharing your traditions with the rest of the world. Sending love from 78°N Stay safe, stay happy and stay curious.

[@kianayellowrobe3421]

"Just for this, im upping my prices" 😂

[@conorleroy2362]

pro tip: watch movies on flixzone. Been using it for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@simonrory8073]

@Conor Leroy Yup, I've been watching on Flixzone for months myself =)

[@thenaturalhumancreature8867]

Book "Braiding Sweetgrass" will explain the unseen respectful processes and sacred understanding of how to work with nature. The material/physical process is demostrated here but there are ceramony and prayer that are also involved in this process that is difficult to explain to non native people because we were not brought up in the understanding of working WITH the earth not taking from her. Blessing. What a beautiful family and culture. Thank you for sharing.

[@godschildyes]

Hahaha! Your kids are too cute! Hey! It's Watson!

[@svetlanakaravaeva7636]

We in Russia harvest and roll the bark exactly the same way :)

[@bodo9387]

How thick does the bark need to be to be useful when making this with it?

[@svetlanakaravaeva7636]

@@bodo9387 difficult to say, because I don't do any crafts with birch bark. But I found wonderful videos where people from Vologda region tell about their work and show the process from harvesting to decor. Alexander Shutikhin is a self-taught craftsman. His family has been living in a small village for 500 years. He has been doing birch bark containers and sometimes even boats since 1990s. His main way of decoration is pressing, and his wife paints some boxes in a traditional way. He also shows an amazing way of harvesting the bark, and there's a moment where you can see how thick the bark for boxes needs to be. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXmcZ2hmlt98ac0 There is also an amazing video about birch bark carving as a decor technique. It developed as a substitute to bone carving which was and is super expensive. The artist in this video, Tatyana Vyazova, graduated from Abramtsevo College of Arts, one of the best in the country, as a ceramics artist. After moving to Veliky Ustuyg in Vologda Region she began carving just by chance. All of her carving works are connected to her family, the town and its people, and she talks about her inspiration, restoration of icons, birch bark jewellery... and her husband's successful fishing:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2Ozn5lsgtmZqKc And this is a short vid showing a big bread container, smth like this is a very good present in my region: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2bOc5eNn6uEg6c Craftsmen often arrange for harvesting the bark with lodging companies who let them come to a tree felling site and cut as much bark as they want. This material is still important in the kitchen, as we often put grains, salt, sugar, tea and bread into birch bark containers. I also have a hair pin and a bracelet made of birch bark with carving, and I can see quite a lot of birch bark pendants and earrings in the shops nowadays.

[@orgxsmatron]

Miigwech! Thank you for this, we have a lot of birch here in NH and always wondered how to properly harvest it. I’m learning a lot from your videos, keep it up! 👍🏽

[@sweethonesty7170]

Haha cute ! Got scared by a lil duck 🦆 Dude was just sitting there on an ant hill 😂 just pondering life In the bush 😛

[@susangraham8972]

Thanks for keeping the old ways aluve, and for sharing them.

[@AzMurphy2022]

Awesome man, I’ll have to order a pair of earrings or other things from you for my daughter... your videography is getting professional man I like it a lot .. and the knowledge of the old ways is always being held on instead of being past on .. glad your showing your son, i remember getting herbs for ceremonies with my dad and uncle.. I really appreciate you showing your knowledge that has past on to you .. thanks and Take care and be safe ..

[@tanishaalexander7121]

Finds a kid sitting on an ant hill 🤣🤣🤣 laughed so hard haha caught me off guard ! 🤣🤣

[@devodootie]

Found you through Natives React - new subscriber too! I LOVE your channel, videos, outlook on life, sharing your knowledge.... I’ll be waiting for new videos while watching your others. Thank you for sharing & bringing your world to ours.

[@christianshipley7472]

I can truly appreciate your efforts to keep traditional arts alive. Teaching "old ways" has all but disappeared in modern society. Not only speaking of native ways, but the long lost arts of nearly every culture around this beautiful world. Every culture started by using the materials nature provided. We have lost our way with technology. And is it just me, or does Watson remind you of a young Joseph Gordon Levitt? 3rd Rock from the sun JGL when he had long hair. And I was like him myself as a youngin. I'd go out into the wilderness just to relax and contemplate life.

[@RT-js4tz]

I was glad to see you do another video. You never disappoint. The cinematography on the mountains and valley was as professional as any I have seen. The rule about always leave them wanting more applies here. Consider a series about the people in your life. Watson probably has a very interesting backstory, as many others you interact with. I can see a people, places , things set of series. I'm sure that I'm not the only one who would enjoy your hobbies, friends and inviroment. Can't wait for the next one on this birchbark quillwork.

[@melissaeight481]

Yes!

[@cassandradiaz7651]

I agree.

[@devankicknosway2090]

hey now, your stealing all my ideas! lol. that's he long term goal is to make playlists for the different aspects of my life and what I want to create for this channel. that way people can follow to the content they relate to best. I just need to keep the content coming and I can add more to each series. I plan to keep this channel for as long as my kids grow. its def a fun part of my life. and I'm learning each time. all your input helps my adventures in creating. thanks

[@LethaNewlan]

LMAO. Of all the things out there in the Montana wilderness and you said you got scared by a baby duck! Love it!!!!

[@devankicknosway2090]

hahahahahah. true huh!! lol

[@00TimberDoodle]

Wow excellent tutorial, video production and great camera presence. Really solid work! Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@bonniefohrenkam918]

Your kids are beautiful.

[@carylrose7502]

“Oh it does burn!” 😝🤪 LOL

[@LT-yh3kc]

👍👍, welcome back!

[@Wahtsmuu]

Need to come to Anchorage, AK to teach us Alaska Natives how to gather!

[@chellemotsinger1200]

Birds of a feather flock together

[@jamiedeer2674]

Nia’:wen on showing your knowledge 👍🏽

[@maryzylema9699]

You definitely gained a new subscriber.

[@johickey3158]

watching you and your kids in the wild makes my heart sing, lots of love from an old irish witch

[@ms.herrera681]

Newly subscribed. Followed you from Patrick's channel.

[@devankicknosway2090]

thank you! i'l have some new stuff up in a couple days

[@chellemotsinger1200]

This is great next time I'm in the woods I'm gonna look for signs of it

[@maryzylema9699]

I love birch bark and love to learn how to make earrings out of it and porcupine quills.Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. 🤗💖

[@stormfallen323]

That's a good point about the hording information. Legend Devan. 🤘😎

[@darrenandlorraineprisinger5617]

Sweet! Very interesting, love the kiddo's, and am curious about your quill work. I've been wanting to give it a try... Not many people do quill work around here. Not that I know of, anyway. 🤔 I agree with you btw, why hoard what you know? Thank you for passing on your knowledge! Especially to your children and the younger generation. :) Take Care!! -Lorraine

[@sheilachen2908]

Wow that’s amazing..I never knew this..Knowledge is key 🔑. Next hiking trip ima count how many birch were harvested.

[@JanSparkles1]

Wow! That was educational and love your part of tge country/rez. I live in Albuquerque, NM. Not much here, but I do drive into the mountains just to get quiet with nature. I want to learn more about your culture. I saw you on that channel, NavajoReaction, I think it was. Glad I caught you there. Your kids are just adorable!

[@devankicknosway2090]

thanks for joining my channel... this is the kinda crazy stuff your gonna see. and I;ll teach and show anything and everything over the years to come.

[@sharonmccomas4173]

I must say I learned something new today thank you so much

[@loretta2539]

nice, I learned awhile ago that before the cradleboard was introduce to my tribe we made birch bark baby bags. Im determine to learn how to make a birch bark baby bag either by finding a class or learn my own way which isnt all bad. I have learned lots of things by looking at a picture or watching someone or best yet, creating your own way.

[@TheKevbot23]

Always good content! From a Kevin to a devan.

[@Dragonbleps]

Came here looking to learn about Birch trees for a story I'm writing, but loved the video so much I've now got a new Channel in my Subscriptions :) Your passion and how down-to-earth you are makes the video so enjoyable to watch. And I definitely learned a few things about Birches!

[@redbirdromannose6554]

Maybe Watson could teach us about some ants .? ...lol

[@braxtonnichols8373]

Thanks for the video! I know I’m a little late to comment but I’ve been trying to figure out how to take birch bark off a tree, my family is Nakoda and Métis and my Mihingada ( little sister ) has been asking for a berry basket to use when we pick saskatoons which we would make out of birch bark, We don’t live in reserve so it’s hard to find elders and knowledge keepers to help with this stuff. Again Isniyes for the video!

[@justing757]

I was going to say you spelled subscribed wrong but I was joking 😂 good vlog! I like how you involved the younger generation to carry out traditional ways going! Awesome! ✊🏼

[@clumsiii]

thank you for this adventure! patrick shared your signs video :) *be careful not to cut to deep that will girdle the tree and kill it. the cambiam cambium? it's the layer just under the bark that carries the water ... DUDE this drone shot!? what! i did not see that coming

[@clumsiii]

the shots from the drone really add a lot - your family adds a lot - winston? winston right? he's amazing too! (ha ha i was wrong maybe it's Watson...but like he said himself: he always changes his name! He's a real character.. and wise for his age it seems) please keep going thank you

[@derekgarcia1428]

Enjoyed this greatly. You have a great view on the world that can be seen in your son, who is awesome.

[@leniseomeasoo6315]

EEEEEE.....all early🤪✨

[@allisondenton5903]

Hey found you from Natives React. I LOVE your content. Subscribed ^_^ it reminds me of my home in the mountains of NC. Watching your videos makes me feel back at home

[@devankicknosway2090]

Thanks for subbing!

[@vivianramsay2527]

Lovely to see a real parent!! Who better to influence your kids !!

[@shandiinboren2243]

What a beautiful life

[@cassandradiaz7651]

I always learn something new from one of your videos - thanks for sharing. Keep those videos coming 👍

[@devankicknosway2090]

You got it! I def have more just gotta make more time to edit

[@dominiqueminde6641]

Kimiyototen ! To your little one.

[@ColumbcilleDougherty]

i dont think it kills the tree, but soo many people are equating this process with ringing a tree. can you explain better so i can defend the traditional practice of harvesting birch bark?

[@Jangler023]

Miigwech for sharing Devin

[@MichaelCarolina]

Thank you for Sharing you knowledge. New sub :)

[@MikePhumanaut]

Beautiful, thanks.

[@itsjustskye]

I just wanted to say thank you for your knowledge. Thank you for showing me the ways of our ancestors. Where I come from, the elders in my reserve. The ones I grew up with have either passed on or are too old to be going out and showing me how to do these things. So I never got the chance to learn the ways of my people. So I thank you so so much because harvesting birch was always something I wanted to learn. Kitchi-Miigwetch 😊😊

[@devankicknosway2090]

meegwetch for such nice words. that's what this platform is used for, to really encourage people to just go for it and earn or do something new. hopefully I helped yah out a bit. if so mission accomplished

[@gailgrant8149]

You're awesome!

[@andylynn4201]

Thank you for sharing! Now I know how they get the bark. I’m interested in working with birchbark 👍🏼

[@Skoden_lures]

Knowledge only grows if it is shared

[@katherenest.germain612]

Watched you on my tv and I enjoyed your video enough that I spent 20” trying to find you on my phone. Great video. Does it matter which way you pull the bark off? I learned your suppose to pull it off clockwise to follow nature’s natural cycle. I haven’t checked out you quill work and have no clue what it is. Looking forward to more.

[@nessiemonstercrafts]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Your kids are adorable by the way!

[@melissaeight481]

Thanks for the content ♥️

[@melissaeight481]

Missing your positive vibes friend

[@devankicknosway2090]

I'm cmonming back with a new new in a few days!

[@melissaeight481]

Awesome!!! ♥️

[@ivyb4351]

I hope we can have a blessed summer the vaccine in coming soon!!!

[@chapulinski58]

This content. No more words need to be said.

[@victory-loriebarnett1877]

Very interesting 🤨. It’s great you have taught the younger people too!!!

[@rainydaylady6596]

BD Cooper!

[@melissaeight481]

🤣

[@dominiqueminde6641]

I showed this video to my students to kill some time and they were so intrigued by harvesting birchbark. My students are nehiyaw, so they though what you were doing was cool. Your videos are educational too so keep them coming. I’d love to share more with my students.

[@timlopes67]

Love your videos thank you for sharing.

[@devankicknosway2090]

Glad you like them!

[@RT-js4tz]

Well, you slid out of the rest of the year without another video...you have a base but it can't grow without content. You have the ideas, the time, beautiful backgrounds....just need motivated. Pick it back up and shoot for the stars. The dream only dies if you let it. You are in control. What you might think is mundane, may be interesting to others.

[@devankicknosway2090]

hey man.. I totally agree with yah. I filmed a lot over the passed few months. SOO much has happenedin our lives! we now I've in a new state. I will have y first 2021 video up in a couple days and then go back and edit the older footage. I haven't left the platform and won't. thanks for sending me some words to inspire!

[@my3kids1021]

This was really helpful!! Miigwech for sharing your knowledge!

[@devankicknosway2090]

Glad it was helpful!

[@my3kids1021]

@@devankicknosway2090 If the bark does curl the way it likes because someone forgot to roll it the way you demonstrated, is it still useable, or any tips to help uncurl it? Umm, asking for a friend... LOL

[@chellemotsinger1200]

I love this

[@devankicknosway2090]

thanks

[@chellemotsinger1200]

Your very welcome my husband is indigionious so am I part both of us I'm proud of it and love learning about our heratage and I watch you I watch your siblings patrick willie notorious cree james jones you all are very special and proud and I'm proud of mine to keep it coming ok devon

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Does Watson have a KZbin channel? He has such great knowledge about plants and nature... He's cool. I would follow immediately!

[@devankicknosway2090]

He has a KZbin but it’s mostly powwow videos. His IG is where he spends most of his time. Same name on IG

[@carylrose7502]

@@devankicknosway2090 He is one awesome kid.

[@shawnareeser3221]

Love your videos ♥️ I was wondering how you tell the difference in birch types??? I have many birch trees and wonder if they're the right ones to harvest? Again thank you for all you do ☺️

[@vivianramsay2527]

Devan, hope all is well with you and yours! Looking forward to your next video! Be well, be safe!

[@devankicknosway2090]

Thanks! You too!

[@tomfiddler3353]

look at the top of the trees, they are reddish!

[@waynebayer3144]

curling bark wrong way, roll inner side out with grain sideways up the height of bark

[@ms9404]

Birch is rare in Montana? There's tons of it in Southeastern Idaho!

[@devankicknosway2090]

I'm coming to southeastern idaho! I now live in salt lake!

[@melissaeight481]

Hey! "How to shoot compound bow". ?!?!

[@krmr2069]

I have been catching up on your videos. How did you go from here to living in SLC? And I wish I’d known you were in Vegas! Love to have you and your lovely family for dinner!

[@devankicknosway2090]

Montana was absolutely beautiful! but it was always temporary for us. life for us is to explore and learn as we go. we travel a lot and love being new places. SLC has food nd fashion and a good art realm. also elk... omg yes... elk

[@maraya41979]

What if you hold the edges down with painters tape? Hold the corners down.

[@devankicknosway2090]

I haven't tried that yet.

[@PFirefly06]

I live in the Swan mountains. My land is infested with birch

[@cassiechaos03]

Who else saw a pink little horse toy on the stump?

[@devankicknosway2090]

What ever do you speak about ? 🥴.

[@cassiechaos03]

@@devankicknosway2090 my little pony 😛

[@devankicknosway2090]

In every video I create I have a hidden Easter egg. U found one

[@AngelaAguonie]

When is the best time of the year to peel the bark?

[@teaunabegaye8801]

Can I see some of your quill work

[@devankicknosway2090]

howdy. I post my stuff on my IG and my FB al the time! I will have some shorter videos of my work on here, just stay tuned for sure.

[@ComblessMan]

Can we get a link to where you sell your work? Really enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@devankicknosway2090]

howdy. I plan to have my website up for my work this month! mostly I sell through my Facebook or instagram. type my name in and you'll be sent over!

[@woodspirit98]

And for all the karens..no ants were harmed in the filming of this video. I'm sorry what? Oh ants taste like lemons.

[@susang4507]

How can I find your handmade products?

[@devankicknosway2090]

I'm working on having my website up for my work this month.

[@morgannlongfox8711]

Can I harvest some during Fall season?

[@devankicknosway2090]

yeah but it will be a bit more dry

[@vanessamyradavid3548]

When is it a good time to harvest the white birch bark?

[@devankicknosway2090]

I was always told the hottest time of the year

[@bodo9387]

How thick does the bark need to be to be useful when making this with it?

[@devankicknosway2090]

it can be peeled later on to the needed thickness. its what's makes paper birch so amazing

[@bodo9387]

@@devankicknosway2090 amazing

[@tganderson289]

Hey Devan , I just subscribed . I was wondering, I’m First Nation from Canada, would you like to do some trading ? We have lots of birch here and I could send you some if you send me some quills .

[@devankicknosway2090]

I totally would but I can’t send animal parts across the border. 😫😫

[@tganderson289]

@@devankicknosway2090 shit I never thought about that , good point. Where are the new videos?

[@brandonbelone1826]

Watson what tribe is he ?

[@devankicknosway2090]

he is Chippewa Cree from rocky boy Montana. same as my wife

[@brandonbelone1826]

@@devankicknosway2090 ok thanks