Traditional wooden snowshoes have been around for thousands of years as Native Americans and explorers originally designed these snowshoes for practical use in everyday life. This tradition continues, and you can still use wooden snowshoes today. In fact, they offer numerous benefits not provided by modern snowshoes. Though, sometimes it can be tough to know the intricacies of these ‘shoes.
Brian Theriault of Theriault’s Snowshoes offers his traditional snowshoe expertise to answer all of your burning questions. He learned from his father Edmond and has been making traditional snowshoes from scratch for over fifty years.
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About Theriault Snowshoes
Based in Maine, the Theriault Snowshoe method is a refinement of the collaborative methods between First Nations people and early French settlers. Moreover, their craftsmanship was recognized as the recipient of several awards from the Maine Arts Commission, including the Maine Fellowship Award.
Brian and his father, Edward Theriault, who is now 99, are also the authors of two books on Leaving Tracks: A Maine Tradition and Brown Ash Baskets: A North American Tradition.
Excitedly, Brian Theriault has also recently taken on a snowshoe apprentice, 13-year-old Bret Babin. Bret will keep on the same path through the Maine Art Commission award program. As Brian mentioned, “I am very happy to have Bret working with me and keeping the art of snowshoe making alive. My father and I have been a team [together] for over 50 years making quality snowshoes…Keep making, keep on walking, and keep the tradition alive”.
Submit Your Questions
So, whether you’ve been using traditional wooden snowshoes for decades or are just starting, we’re here to help! Submit your questions below for a master snowshoe maker’s guidance. You can also learn more about Theriault Snowshoes at their website.
Read Next:
Traditional Snowshoe Care and Maintenance
Four Types of Snowshoes for Big People and Heavy Loads
Traditional Wooden Snowshoes: Shapes, Designs, Names
The Future of Traditional Snowshoes: We Value Our 6,000 Year Tradition
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