School News
Carving Connections: Grade 5 Students Explore Indigenous Craft and HistoryDuring the week of March 9–12, 2026, Linden Christian School’s Grade 5 classrooms enjoyed a woodworking studio for a unique in-school field trip. We were privileged to host Mark Blieske, a retired Industrial Arts and Outdoor Education teacher with 49 years of experience and a passion for preserving traditional Canadian skills.
Mark is recognized as one of Canada’s premier paddle makers and a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. His retirement has been anything but quiet; he currently volunteers with Paddles Across Canada (PAC), a non-profit dedicated to helping students connect with their roots through the art of carving. Mark’s expertise is vast, ranging from birch bark canoes to traditional snowshoes, and his “52 Paddles” project (where he crafted one custom paddle per week for a year) stands as a testament to his dedication to the craft.
Supported by Lee Valley, who generously provided the tools for the week, our students rolled up their sleeves to carve their own mini wooden canoe paddles. This hands-on experience allowed students to build confidence and fine motor skills while engaging with natural materials.
Beyond the woodshop, students participated in a presentation where Mark shared “forgotten knowledge” from Indigenous cultures. He brought history to life with artifacts like woven baskets and mini canoes, while leading a vital conversation on the impact of the Residential School System. He explained how generational skills in agriculture, transportation, and medicine were interrupted by this history, and shared his passion for ensuring these skills are celebrated and taught to the next generation.
We are so grateful to Mark Blieske for sharing his time, his talent, and his heart with our students.
